Milne added to full New Zealand T20 World Cup squad
Wednesday 27th October 2021
Vitality Blast champion Adam Milne has been called-up to New Zealand’s 15-strong ICC T20 World Cup squad after Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a calf tear.
Ferguson felt tightness in his right calf following training last night (Tuesday) and a subsequent MRI scan on game-day revealed a grade two tear which would require three to four weeks recovery, with the Blackcaps set to play five Super 12s matches over the next 13 days.
Right-arm quick Milne goes into New Zealand’s squad after another successful T20 tournament with Kent, taking seven wickets in four matches at an average of 16.57, after joining the Spitfires halfway through their campaign this season, in his fourth spell as a Kent player.
The 29-year-old also took his first hat-trick as a Kent Spitfire against Surrey at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence this July.
Milne is already in the UAE with the team having been selected in the squad as traveling injury cover, but won’t be available to play until ICC approval has been received.
New Zealand Head Coach, Gary Stead, said: “It’s a real shame for Lockie to have this happen on the eve of the tournament and the entire team is really feeling for him right now.
“He’s a massive part of our T20 side and has been in such good form – so to lose him at this time is a blow.
“However, we are fortunate to have a like for like replacement in the form of Adam who has been with the squad training for the past two weeks.”
