Pays off for revitalised Ferguson
have established themselves as New Zealand’s preferred ODI new ball duo and Ferguson is thriving in his role as first change bowler. Any batsman who sees off Boult and Henry receives little respite with Ferguson charging in and aiming to unsettle them with his pace and bounce.
‘‘It’s part of my role for sure in a way to be a bit of an aggressor and create chances,’’ Ferguson said.
‘‘By no means does that mean I have a free for all to go for plenty of runs. I think that’s still a big work-on, creating that aggressiveness and creating those opportunities while also being economical.’’
Ferguson got rid of the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, playing his 200th ODI, who chopped on, and should have had the wicket of the in-form Mohammad Mithun.
Mithun was dropped by Ross Taylor at slip off Ferguson on five, one of two spills by Taylor, and he went on to make New Zealand pay, scoring 57.
Early in his ODI career Ferguson was in and out of the playing XI, but has flourished getting a regular run in the side.
New Zealand skittled Bangladesh for 226 on Saturday, but dished up a mixed bag with the ball, conceding 17 runs from wides. Colin de Grandhomme bowled eight across four overs.
Ferguson admitted it wasn’t acceptable and an area they had to tidy up for the final ODI.
‘‘If we’re critical, we need to restrict those and the bowling unit know that as a group.
‘‘Some of the wides perhaps we’re going over the top of the head. We’re trying to be aggressive and sometimes there’s a fine line between that.’’
Martin Guptill made it backto-back centuries, blasting 118 from 88 balls. He shared in a 143-run second wicket stand with skipper Kane Williamson, who finished unbeaten on 65, as New Zealand coasted to their target with 83 balls to spare.