'It's My First Time..,' Lockie Ferguson Ahead Of ODI Series Against Bangladesh
Lockie Ferguson and Litton Das ahead of the first ODI (Twitter)
New Zealand’s World Cup 2023 bound speedster Lockie Ferguson is set to lead his side for a three-match preparatory ODI series in Bangladesh. The series marks as first-ever set of matches for Ferguson as captain of his national side, as he will be stepping into the high-profile role in place of Tom Latham.
Earlier this month, Latham excluded himself from the side to spend some time at home before the commencement of a month-and-a-half long World Cup 2023 in India.
Ferguson, ahead of the ODIs in Bangladesh, has claimed that the series will serve his side well in preparing themselves for the premier tournament next month.
Lockie Ferguson wary of Bangladesh home threat
New Zealand have not registered an ODI series win in Bangladesh since October 2010. Skipper Lockie Ferguson, in his newfound role for the ‘Black Caps’ seems to be wary of the Bangladesh threat especially in their home conditions.
Ahead of the first ODI of their upcoming series, the speed veteran stated that he along with the rest of his Kiwi troops are looking forward to learning a thing or two in Bangladeshi conditions. He said:
“We know how strong Bangladesh are in their home conditions, so it's a good challenge for us against them. And it's my first time playing here, so certainly plenty to learn on my behalf. But the boys are really looking forward to tomorrow and getting underway.”
Lockie Ferguson also added that he feels honoured to be appointed as New Zealand captain, even though it is an interim assignment for him.
“Obviously a huge honour for myself to be captain and obviously just in an interim sort of position while our other three captains are away but obviously very privileged to be in this role.”
New Zealand’s primary captain Kane Williamson, as well as interim white-ball skipper Tim Southee are both currently recovering from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Tom Latham decided to sit himself out of the series in Bangladesh to get a breather prior to the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
The ‘Black Caps’ lost their four-match series in England by a 1-3 margin earlier this month. Their upcoming matches in Bangladesh serves as their final set of fixtures on their road to India for the ODI spectacle next month.
Each of their three matches against Bangladesh will be played out in Dhaka between September 21 and 26.
 "Aakash Saini")
