Ferguson enjoys change of role
Black Caps speedster Lockie Ferguson has quickly become an automatic selection in New Zealand’s first-choice ODI XI.
Ferguson produced another timely reminder of his value, snaring 3-43 as the Black Caps thumped Bangladesh by eight wickets in Christchurch on Saturday to clinch the ODI series 2-0 with a game to play in Dunedin on Wednesday.
Within the space of four months, the right-arm paceman has jumped up New Zealand’s fast bowling queue and guaranteed himself a spot in the 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup, starting in June.
He took a huge step forward, nabbing career-best figures of 5-45 against Pakistan in the UAE in November and has been a handful over the New Zealand home summer.
Ferguson has taken 14 wickets from seven matches in 2019 at 26.50 with his economy rate of 5.62 vastly improved from earlier in his ODI career, where he often leaked runs.
Trent Boult and Matt Henry 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.
His name is a certainty for the World Cup squad, which will be revealed in April, but Ferguson wasn’t looking too far ahead.
Four years ago, when the global tournament was being cohosted by Australia and New Zealand, Ferguson was in just his second first-class season with Auckland.
To feature against the best sides in the world in England would be the biggest moment of his career.
New Zealand skittled Bangladesh for 226 in Christchurch, but dished up a mixed bag with the ball, conceding 17 runs from wides.
Colin de Grandhomme bowled five in his five over alone and 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 against Bangladesh, 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.
Second ODI in Christchurch: Bangladesh 226
lost to New Zealand 229-2