Lockie Ferguson ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs due to injury, replacement called up

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka after injuring his calf during the T20I match in Dambulla on Sunday. Ferguson, who had just recovered from a hamstring injury, had a standout performance in the match, taking a hat-trick to help New Zealand level the series 1-1. However, he felt discomfort while bowling his second over in the chase and was forced to leave the field.

Following initial assessments, Ferguson will miss the upcoming ODI series, which begins on November 13. He will undergo scans upon his return to New Zealand to determine the extent of the injury. In his absence, Adam Milne has been called up to replace him in the squad. Milne, who has 49 ODIs and 53 T20Is under his belt, will join the team in Dambulla on Tuesday.

"We're gutted for Lockie," said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. "He showed in just two overs how valuable he is with the ball, and his leadership has been a great asset to the team. He’ll be a big miss in such an important ODI series for us. While it’s disappointing to lose him early in the tour, we’re hopeful his recovery will be quick, and he’ll be back on the field soon."

Milne, a pace bowler known for his speed, will be expected to fill Ferguson’s shoes. He will join Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith to form New Zealand’s seam-bowling attack, with support from allrounders Zakary Foulkes and Josh Clarkson.

Ferguson, who made his international debut in 2016, has played one Test, 65 ODIs, and 43 T20Is for New Zealand. His absence leaves a gap in the seam-bowling department, but Milne's experience should help bolster the attack. New Zealand will now look to bounce back in the ODI series as they face Sri Lanka on November 13 for the first of three matches.