Lockie Ferguson Diagnosed With Stress Fracture To His Back; Out For Six Weeks
Lockie Ferguson is facing at least six weeks out of cricket with a back injury, but Black Caps coach Gary Stead hopes he may return by season’s end.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Wednesday that fast bowler Lockie Ferguson had been diagnosed with a partial stress fracture to his lumbar spine and will require four to six weeks of rest before returning to training.
The recent concluded 3-Match T20I series against West Indies, where he picked 7 wickets was followed by scans and imaging, which revealed that he had a partial fracture on the left side of his back.
The only good thing regarding his injury is that Ferguson will not need surgery, instead, he will need to undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation before considering a return to play.
He is also unlikely to turn up for Auckland for the entire Super Smash season which runs from late December through to the final on February 14, the release said. New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Ferguson’s exit is a setback and he is hopeful for his return as soon as possible.
“We’re all really feeling for Lockie,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. “Injuries are certainly part of our sport, but to get something like this when you’re at the very top of your game is especially disappointing. The pace and skill he’s been able to consistently produce have made him one of the very best white-ball bowlers in the world and a huge asset for the Blackcaps.
“Lockie has a great attitude and I know he’s up for the fight so he’ll get stuck into the rehab and we’re still hopeful he may get back on the park at the back end of summer.” he added.
As of now, the Kiwi team has to play in the three-match T20 series and the two-match Test series against Pakistan. Even before this, it can prove to be a big setback for the team
