New Zealand’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has hit a major roadblock before it even started. Speedster Lockie Ferguson is out due to a foot injury. And with the tournament starting tomorrow, the timing couldn’t be worse.
The Injury Blow
Ferguson’s injury happened during the warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi. After bowling a spell, he felt pain in his right foot. The initial medical check confirmed the bad news—he won’t recover in time for the tournament.
With the Champions Trophy being a short tournament, there was no choice but to send him back home for rehab. For New Zealand fans, this is tough to swallow. Ferguson’s express pace and ability to rattle batters in crucial moments made him a key part of the Blackcaps’ bowling attack.
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Enter Kyle Jamieson
But every cloud has a silver lining, right? Kyle Jamieson is stepping in to fill the big shoes left by Ferguson. Jamieson will fly out to Pakistan tonight, bringing some hope to the Kiwis.
The tall pacer recently made a strong comeback to domestic cricket after a long 10-month break due to a back stress fracture. Now, he’s ready to make his mark on the international stage again.
Coach Stead’s Take
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead didn’t hide his disappointment. “We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” he admitted. “He’s a key part of our bowling attack and brings valuable experience in major tournaments.”
But Stead is optimistic about Jamieson’s inclusion. “Kyle brings extra pace and bounce, which will be effective in these conditions,” he said. “He’s been bowling with great energy since his return and has shown his ability in the shorter formats.”
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The Blackcaps will kick off their Champions Trophy journey against Pakistan tomorrow at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi. This match is already a high-stakes battle, and without Ferguson, New Zealand’s bowling attack will be tested.
After Pakistan, they face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24. Then, it’s the big one against India in Dubai on March 2.
Losing Ferguson is a blow, no doubt. But cricket is unpredictable, and New Zealand has always been a team that fights till the end. With Jamieson’s raw pace and the experience of players like Williamson and Santner, they still have a strong shot at the trophy.
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