BLACKCAPS fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the current T20 International series against Sri Lanka, after fracturing his right thumb at training.
The Auckland Aces right-armer sustained the injury while fielding a ball at practice on Saturday night at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium, with an x-ray later revealing a small fracture to the middle joint.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed Ferguson would return home to New Zealand in the coming days.
“It’s a shame for Lockie to have to miss this series, especially coming off the back of such an impressive World Cup campaign in England,” he said.
“The thumb has been put in a splint and is expected to take four to six weeks to recover; so we’re optimistic he’ll be available for the five-game T20 series against England, which starts on November 1 in Christchurch.
“We won’t name a replacement at this stage as we’re confident we have adequate cover within the T20 squad who are here.”
The BLACKCAPS second T20I against Sri Lanka is in Kandy on Tuesday night with the final game of the three-match series on Friday.
