Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out Of ODI Series Against Sri Lanka; Adam Milne Named Replacement

New Zealand has had to make a change in their squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. Lockie Ferguson, who was in excellent form, is out due to injury. The series begins on Wednesday, November 13, in Dambulla.

Ferguson recently returned from a hamstring injury and made an impact by taking a hat-trick in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. This performance helped New Zealand level the series at 1-1 after defending a low total of 108.

The fast bowler suffered a calf injury during the match on Sunday, November 10. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Ferguson left the field after feeling discomfort while bowling his second over. He will undergo scans back home to assess the injury's severity and determine his recovery time.

"An initial medical assessment indicated that he would not be fit enough to take part in the upcoming 50-over matches," stated NZC. This means Ferguson will miss the entire ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Adam Milne has been called up as Ferguson's replacement. He is expected to join the team in Dambulla on Tuesday, November 12. Milne brings experience and pace to the squad, which will be crucial for New Zealand in this series.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over losing Ferguson so early in the tour. "We're gutted for Lockie," Stead said. "He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball, and he's also brought a lot of leadership to this group."

Bowling Line-up Adjustments

Milne will join Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith in forming an inexperienced bowling attack for New Zealand. Mitchell Santner will continue as captain since Tom Latham is unavailable. Stead added, "Adam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience."

Updated New Zealand Squad

The revised squad for New Zealand includes Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, and Will Young.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule

• November 13, Wednesday: 1st ODI - Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla - 2:30 PM IST
• November 17, Sunday: 2nd ODI - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele - 2:30 PM IST
• November 19, Tuesday: 3rd ODI - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele - 2:30 PM IST

This change comes as a setback for New Zealand but provides an opportunity for Adam Milne to showcase his skills. The team hopes for Ferguson's swift recovery and return to action soon.