Ferguson Set to Return for NZ in World Cup Semifinal Against India
Lockie Ferguson, the Black Caps’ leading wicket-taker so far, missed the final group-stage game against England.
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New Zealand paceman Lockie Ferguson looks set to be available for the Cricket World Cup semifinal match against India after a hamstring injury.
Ferguson, the Black Caps' leading wicket-taker this tournament with 17, missed the final group-stage game — the loss to England at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday — as a precaution.
Speaking Sunday, Ferguson said "the scans came back nothing too serious" and he expects that "everything will be good" having had some days' rest.
New Zealand is widely regarded as the weakest team to qualify for the semifinals, having lost its last three group games.
Ferguson says "as New Zealanders, we are often the underdogs and I guess that's a position we like to be in."
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Gary Stead has put his faith on Ferguson to make the difference against India in Tuesday’s semi-final.
"Lockie has been enormous for us. It is his first World Cup as well and I've just been delighted that every time he's come on to bowl, he's looked like he's going to make a difference out there," Stead said.
"Whether that's through pace, whether that's through creating pressure for the other person at the other end – he always has been looking likely and hopefully he can do that again against India," he added.
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