Champions Trophy: Another setback for New Zealand as key bowler benched

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to injury.

Ferguson experienced discomfort in his leg during a warm-up match, and after a medical assessment, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that he will not be fit for the tournament.

As his replacement, Kyle Jamieson has been added to New Zealand's squad.

Just a few days ago, another New Zealand fast bowler, Ben Sears, was also ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury sustained during a training session in Karachi.

Injury concerns continue to affect several teams ahead of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s Saim Ayub and India’s Jasprit Bumrah have also been ruled out due to injuries, while Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament for personal reasons.

Additionally, Afghanistan’s spinner A.M. Ghazanfar is unavailable due to fitness issues, and South Africa will be without fast bowler Anrich Nortje.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.