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Lockie Ferguson Misses NZ's Final T20 WC Group Game for Paternity Leave

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has left the T20 World Cup to return home for the birth of his first child with his wife Emma. He will consequently miss New Zealand's final Group D match against Canada. Head coach Rob Walter stated the team will not replace Ferguson in the squad, as he is expected to return for the Super 8 stage of the tournament. Travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are on standby should they be required.

Key Points: Lockie Ferguson Granted Paternity Leave, Misses NZ vs Canada

  • Ferguson departs for birth of first child
  • Will miss final group game vs Canada
  • Expected to return for Super 8 stage
  • NZ won't replace him in squad
  • Travelling reserves ready if needed
2 min read

T20 WC: Ferguson granted parental leave, to miss NZ's last group game

NZ pacer Lockie Ferguson to miss T20 World Cup group game vs Canada for birth of first child. Coach confirms plan for his Super 8 return.

"It's an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma - Rob Walter"

Wellington, Feb 15

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has been granted paternal leave and will miss the team's last Group game against Canada, NZC said on Sunday.

"New Zealand pace-bowler Lockie Ferguson will depart the ICC Men's T20 World Cup today to return home for the birth of him and his wife's first child," NZC said in a statement.

New Zealand have won two out of their three group games so far in this tournament, and will face Canada on Tuesday.

Ferguson's departure means he will be unavailable for the team's final Group D match against Canada.

Head coach Rob Walter said the team will not replace Ferguson, as he is expected to return for the Super 8 stage, adding that the travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called in the mains squad if required.

"It's an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma and we're pleased that he'll be at home for such a special occasion," said Walter.

"At this stage, we won't be replacing Lockie in the squad as the plan would be for him to return for the Super 8 phase of the tournament. But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad should we need them," he added.

New Zealand are aiming to rediscover their best form after failing to progress beyond the group stage in 2024, following strong runs as finalists in 2021 and semi-finalists in 2022.

So far, the BlackCaps have been involved in three one-sided matches, beating Afghanistan and UAE comfortably and losing to South Africa by seven wickets. They remain well-placed to reach the Super 8s, but will want to beat Canada on Tuesday in Chennai to make sure qualification remains in their hands.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Smart move by the management. They should easily beat Canada without him, and he'll be fresh and motivated for the Super 8s. Family is a big motivation—he might come back and bowl even faster!
D
David E
Respect for prioritizing family life. It's a good precedent for sports everywhere. The game against Canada is a formality anyway for qualification.
A
Aditya G
Fully support this. But just a small thought—what if the Canada match becomes a close one and they miss his experience? Hope the reserves are ready. Still, family comes before cricket, no doubt.
S
Sarah B
This is so heartwarming! Congratulations to the Ferguson family. Sports organizations need to be this supportive more often. All the best to New Zealand for the rest of the tournament.
K
Karthik V
Good decision. They are practically through to the next round. Ben Sears is a talented bowler; this could be a good chance for him to get some World Cup experience. New Zealand's team culture seems very positive.

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