Lockie Ferguson: I guess without Tim (Southee) and Matt Henry, Boult’s going to have a bigger leadership role as he always does

In the absence of Tim Southee and Matt Henry, pace bowler Trent Boult will have to shoulder the majority of the responsibility for the Black Caps in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, according to New Zealand stand-in captain Lockie Ferguson on Wednesday.

In the absence of Tim Southee and Matt Henry, pace bowler Trent Boult will have to shoulder the majority of the responsibility for the Black Caps in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, according to New Zealand stand-in captain Lockie Ferguson on Wednesday.

Boult, who decided to forego his national contract and has been involved with several T20 franchise assignments across the world, showed that he had much to contribute in ODI cricket by taking eight wickets in two games against England, including a five-wicket haul.

Before the World Cup, New Zealand have decided to rest some players, including Matt Henry, who is likely to be a member of their playing eleven, in addition to Tim Southee, who is out of the series due to a fractured thumb.

On September 15, while fielding in the fourth One-Day International against England at Lord’s, Southee broke a bone in his right thumb. He went back home and sought the advice of doctors, who recommended surgery.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that the surgery goes well for Tim,”

head Coach Gary Stead said.

“He’ll have some pins or screws inserted in his right thumb and, providing the procedure is a success, it will be a matter of ensuring Tim can tolerate the pain and manage the actual wound when returning to train and play.

“Our opening game of the World Cup against England is not until Thursday, October 5 in Ahmedabad, so that would be our logical target in terms of his availability.

“Tim’s a hugely experienced and important figure in our team and we want to give him every chance to be part of this World Cup campaign.”

“Clearly a guy with a lot of experience (Boult) and certainly really enjoying him back within the group. Straightaway in England, he came in and he was exceptional. It was challenging to bowl quickly. The scores were high in England and his expertise and calmness under pressure was irreplaceable,”

Ferguson told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, a day ahead of the series opener.

“So I guess without Tim (Southee) and Matt Henry, Boult’s going to have a bigger leadership role as he always does. But he’s certainly a gem for us and I certainly enjoy playing alongside and, you know, I’m sure if it’s swinging tomorrow, he’s one of the guys who’ll get some swing out of it,” he said.

The stand-in skipper continued by saying that, given the burden of an unprecedented workload, rotation strategy was an integral aspect of modern-day cricket.

“I think it’s the nature of international cricket at this stage. You’ve probably seen throughout the last few years, a lot of rotation around teams just with the amount of cricket we’re playing. Some players are choosing to take a rest now, just before the World Cup and some have taken a little bit earlier. So, I think that’s great with them,”

he said.

Ferguson emphasized that the series was a lead-up to the World Cup, adding that his teammates were enthusiastic about it despite the possibility that the younger players would be asked to return to New Zealand to make way for their first-choice World Cup squad.

“Look, we’re professionals and we take every game as it comes. This is a big series for us and a very challenging one. So, from our point of view, it’s a good build-up for a World Cup; but at the same time, you know, we’re very much focused on this series.

“We know how strong Bangladesh is in their home conditions, so it’s a good challenge for us against them. And it’s my first time playing here, so certainly plenty to learn on my behalf. But the boys are really looking forward to tomorrow and getting underway,”

said Ferguson.

“Obviously a huge honor for myself to be captain and obviously just in an interim sort of position while our other three captains are away but very privileged to be in this role,”

Ferguson remarked on leading his country for the first time. 

“As a fast bowler, I guess things do change, but I think at the same time it brings a lot of benefits like talking to bowlers, working out plans, obviously being in their shoes a lot of the time, in the pressure moments.”

“Certainly different conditions, but with the experience that we’ve had in the subcontinent we’ve got to learn as pace bowlers how to bowl potentially in a different role. It’s not always about maybe blowing out and getting wickets, but holding up an end so that perhaps spinners can play more of a role.

“However, I have seen some highlights from when England was here and there were a lot of wickets taken by pacers. So, I suppose that’s when change-ups tend to come in a bit more. Obviously, with it being so humid as well, the ball tends to swing. So, we’re sort of known for our swing bowling and I’m sure we’ll still be able to use that tomorrow,”

Ferguson concluded.

New Zealand will play three ODIs in Bangladesh starting September 21 before the World Cup warm-ups against Pakistan (September 29) and South Africa (October 2). On October 5, they face off in Ahmedabad against the defending champions, England.