Lockie Ferguson could miss out on Tests against India
What's the story
New Zealand might be pushed onto the back foot as pacer Lockie Ferguson is likely to be sidelined for the upcoming two-Test series against India, starting February 21.
Ferguson is still recovering from the calf injury he suffered in December last year, against Australia in Perth, where he could bowl just 11 overs.
Here is more on this.
The return
Ferguson expects to play domestic cricket for international comeback
As Ferguson awaits his international return, he is still on a recovery path from his injury.
Currently, it is being believed that he would be playing some domestic cricket, notably the domestic one-day final on Sunday, for Auckland.
Meanwhile, he feels that rather than the Tests against India, the limited-overs series against Australia next month holds a more realistic chance of his international comeback.
No rush
Ferguson not rushing in to avoid a re-injury
Speaking on his possible return, Ferguson said that while he is looking to make a comeback soon, he is not rushing in as there are some important tournaments ahead.
"It's important with a calf injury, where there's a high percentage chance of re-injury, that we be conservative. Sunday's my focus and then I'll be looking to play some First-Class cricket," he told Stuff Media.
Quote
Not easy to make it to NZ Test squad: Ferguson
"It's not an easy side to make, the New Zealand Test side. Not that it's easy to make any of the sides, but they've been exceptional for so long, and especially the fast-bowling attack, that's been very settled for a long time," added Ferguson.
Test impact
Ferguson adamant on making an impact in Test cricket
Although Ferguson has made his name as a limited-overs specialist bowler, he has said that it has always been his goal to play Test cricket and take up the challenge.
"I am obviously super stoked to be playing ODIs and T20s for New Zealand, I love every moment of it, but playing red-ball has been a big goal of mine," he concluded.
Ferguson's career
Ferguson has had a great limited-overs career
Although Ferguson failed to claim a wicket on the only Test he has played so far, his performance in limited-overs has been commendable.
In 36 ODIs, he has claimed 67 wickets at a decent average of 25.6, while in T20Is, he has claimed 14 from eight matches at a fine average of 15.8.
However, he has underperformed in the IPL.