Ferguson cleared to take on England

Lockie Ferguson will bowl in a competitive match for the first time since the Cricket World Cup final when he returns from injury for the New Zealand XI in England’s tour opener on Sunday.

The Black Caps fast bowler, who was second to Australia’s Mitchell Starc on the World Cup wicket charts, has been cleared to play after suffering a fractured right thumb on last month’s Sri Lanka tour.

Ferguson will be joined by Black Caps Twenty20 regulars Colin Munro and Tim Seifert in the New Zealand XI to play England on Sunday and next Tuesday in T20 warmup matches at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln, near Christchurch.

Munro will captain the side which features a mix of emerging talent and proven performers in the T20 arena, without players from the six Plunket Shield sides who start round two on Monday. Experienced former Black Caps allrounder Anton Devcich bolsters their ranks.

After a six-week lay-off

Ferguson said he couldn’t wait to get back on the field.

‘‘The thumb has healed well and I’m looking forward to having a hit-out at Lincoln,’’ he said.

‘‘While it’s obviously frustrating to be sidelined, it’s actually been good to take some time to freshen up and be able to return with plenty of motivation and energy.

‘‘It’s the beginning of a really big summer of cricket and it’s exciting to be starting it against a quality England side.’’

The Black Caps squad for the five-match T20 series against England, starting in Christchurch on November 1, is expected to be named tomorrow.