Mixed news for Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson is facing weeks on the sidelines with a back injury, but Black Caps coach Gary Stead hopes he may return by season’s end.

Stead confirmed Ferguson’s diagnosis of a partial stress fracture in his lumbar spine, after his starring role in the Black Caps’ Twenty20 series win over West Indies.

The one positive for Stead was, that it wasn’t a complete fracture which means the country’s fastest bowler remains a chance of returning for Australia’s tour in late February, or the subsequent visit by Bangladesh.

The 29-year-old was frightening with his pace in the West Indies tour opener at Auckland’s Eden Park last month, snaring 5-21 in New Zealand’s victory.

Ferguson has 11 T20 internationals, 37 ODIs and one test to his name, and was a key figure in the Black Caps’ run to the Cricket World Cup final in 2019.

‘‘Lockie is a huge loss for us. His speed and accuracy is something that adds to our bowling group,’’ Stead said.

With Ferguson injured, Hamish Bennett also sidelined, and test trio Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and Tim Southee all rested, the Black Caps are set to field a relatively raw pace attack in tomorrow’s opening T20 match against Pakistan at Eden Park.

With 18 T20s to his name, Doug Bracewell is the most experienced seamer in the squad for game one – though his last appearance was in January 2019. He will be joined by Scott Kuggeleijn, who has made 13 appearances; Blair Tickner, who has made five; and potential debutant Jacob Duffy.