New Zealand suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with experienced fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Ferguson, who has 65 ODI appearances, sustained the injury during the ILT20 tournament in the UAE earlier this month while playing for Desert Vipers. New Zealand named Kyle Jamieson as Ferguson’s replacement in the 15-member squad, which begins its campaign against hosts Pakistan on Wednesday in Karachi.
Ferguson’s injury occurred in early February when he left the field without completing his overs. He missed the remainder of the ILT20 season and the ODI tri-series in Pakistan. Ferguson tested his hamstring in a warm-up game against Afghanistan, but New Zealand ruled him out on Tuesday. His absence adds to New Zealand’s injury woes, with Ben Sears also sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
The Black Caps now face the Champions Trophy with a young pace attack, as Jamieson joins Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith, all of whom have played fewer than 15 ODIs. This leaves Matt Henry as the only senior fast bowler in the squad. Jamieson, 30, recently returned from a 10-month layoff due to a back injury. His last ODI appearance was in September 2023, but he showcased his fitness and form in the Super Smash T20 competition, taking 14 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 5.95, helping Canterbury reach the final. He has also secured a PSL contract with Quetta Gladiators for later this year.
New Zealand, considered pre-tournament favourites, won the recent tri-series final in Karachi, relying on their batting depth and allrounders. They are placed in Group A, with matches against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24 and India in Dubai on March 2.
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