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New Zealand‘s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has suffered an early setback with the withdrawal of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson due to a foot injury. The pace spearhead complained of discomfort in his right foot after bowling a spell in an informal warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday.
Following an initial medical assessment, it was confirmed that Ferguson would not recover in time to participate in the short-duration tournament. Given the significance of his role in New Zealand’s bowling attack, the decision was made to send him back home for rehabilitation, ruling him out of yet another major ICC event.
Lockie Ferguson’s replacement for Champions Trophy 2025
To compensate for Ferguson’s absence, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been drafted into the Blackcaps squad. The tall right-arm pacer recently made a successful return to domestic cricket after a ten-month injury layoff caused by a stress fracture in his back. Since regaining full fitness, Jamieson has made an impact in the Super Smash, where he played a pivotal role in Canterbury Kings’ journey to the Grand Final.
Kyle finished the tournament as the joint second-highest wicket-taker, picking up 14 wickets, including a sensational 4/12 spell against Central Stags at Hagley Oval. More recently, he has been in good rhythm in the Ford Trophy, featuring in Canterbury’s Round 8 and Round 9 matches against Central Stags and Northern Districts. His recent performances and fitness levels suggest that he will be ready to contribute when called upon in the Champions Trophy.
Also READ: CT 2025: New Zealand’s record in ICC Champions Trophy history
Gary Stead acknowledges Ferguson’s absence as a major loss
Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the setback, emphasizing Ferguson’s importance to the team.
“We’re really disappointed for Lockie. Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon,” Stead said in a press release from Blackcaps.
However, Stead expressed confidence in Jamieson’s ability to step up, highlighting his unique skill set as a tall fast bowler who can extract extra bounce and generate pace, qualities that will be valuable in Pakistan’s conditions.
“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan. He’s shown since returning in the Dream11 Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event. We’ve been pleased with the progress he’s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament,” Stead concluded.
With Ferguson ruled out and Jamieson set to join the squad, New Zealand now shifts focus to their high-stakes opening encounter against hosts Pakistan. The Blackcaps will face the home side in Karachi in what promises to be an intense start to the tournament. Despite the setback, New Zealand remains one of the tournament favorites and will look to kick off their campaign on a strong note, relying on their depth in fast bowling to compensate for Ferguson’s absence.
