Big Blow For New Zealand: Star Pacer Doubtful For Champions Trophy After Undergoing Scan

New Zealand's preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have hit a potential roadblock, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson's availability in doubt due to a hamstring injury sustained during an ongoing the UAE. The experienced speedster left the field before completing his spell, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the crucial international assignment. Following the injury, Ferguson underwent a scan on Thursday to assess the severity of the problem. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that the team was awaiting the radiologist's report before making a decision on Ferguson's participation in the tri-series in Pakistan and the Champions Trophy.

"Lockie had a scan yesterday [Thursday] in the UAE," Stead said on the eve of tri-series opener. "We've got the images here and [we are] waiting for our radiologist to give us a report on the extent of it. Small hamstring injury, by the look of it, so we're just waiting on a timeline of advice around that before we make a decision on whether Lockie travels here [Pakistan] or whether we do have to replace him for the Champions Trophy."

Ferguson, who is the most experienced fast bowler in New Zealand's Champions Trophy squad, plays a key role in the Black Caps' attack, particularly on subcontinent pitches. His absence would leave a significant void in the squad, especially with fellow quick Ben Sears still recovering from knee surgery. Sears, who has played 17 T20Is and one Test, is yet to make his ODI debut, making Ferguson's injury a serious concern for the Kiwis.

To cover for Ferguson's injury, New Zealand had already included seamer Jacob Duffy in the squad as a standby. However, with less than two weeks before their opening match in the Champions Trophy