Seamer Lockie Ferguson to Step Up as Captain for New Zealand

Seamer extraordinaire Lockie Ferguson will assume the role of captain for the New Zealand cricket team for the first time in international cricket, as they prepare for a challenging three-match 50-overs tour of Bangladesh. The announcement came on a significant Saturday for the Black Caps.

At the age of 32, Lockie Ferguson is set to take the reins of the New Zealand squad during their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, scheduled at the end of September. This exciting opportunity for Ferguson follows their ongoing white-ball fixtures in England.

New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, expressed confidence in Ferguson’s leadership capabilities, stating, “Lockie is an experienced bowler, and this is an opportunity for him to really lead from the front with not just the bowling group but the team as a whole.”

Ferguson has had the chance to gain some valuable captaincy experience, having led the Black Caps to tour victories against English county sides Worcestershire and Gloucestershire just last month.

In this captaincy role, Ferguson will stand in for New Zealand’s regular one-day captain, Kane Williamson, who is currently on the road to recovery from a knee injury. Additionally, Tom Latham, who often serves as a stand-in skipper, will not be available. Latham is part of a group of senior players who will miss the Bangladesh tour as they prepare for the upcoming 50-overs World Cup set to kick off in India in October.

Several key players, including Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Tim Southee, will be rested during the Bangladesh tour, ensuring they are in optimal condition for the World Cup.