For a decade, New Zealand were carried by Tim Southee and Trent Boult with the ball. Now, Trent Boult is not always available for the national side and Tim Southee’s workload is now starting to be looked after, following his appointment as Test Captain. With the senior duo missing, Lockie Ferguson has taken it upon himself to guide the group of pacers.

While he has not admitted that he is the attack leader, in the India tour, he was often found at mid-off and mid-on, frequently talking to the bowlers. With a young bowling group around him, Lockie Ferguson found himself as the most experienced in the pack. His bowling style additionally makes him stand out. Being the fastest in the group, and being a bowler who can control his pace, Lockie Ferguson automatically becomes a trump card with the ball.

Knowing his importance as the trump card of the line-up, Lockie Ferguson was ready to help the others. He is using his experience well, and this time around he got a different role too. With nobody to take the new-ball, Lockie Ferguson stepped up and bowled some nice spells against Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who were getting India off to solid starts in the ODIs.

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His new ball efforts highlighted his ability as a he showed development with the ball. From being a bowler who is often used to pick up wickets in the middle overs and rattle batters in the death, Lockie Ferguson found some encouraging movement and opened another option for New Zealand. With him taking the new-ball, the others were a lot more relaxed, and consequently bowled better. Ben Lister, the one sharing the new-ball with him came out of the shadows and bowled some encouraging spells himself.

He has a decent domestic record, and now with some confidence the young pacer, who can touch the 140s. is likely to make some more strides. Tickner too, the first change bowler stood out. In all likelihood, Tickner was lucky to be here for the tour, Had Southee been available, Tickner may not have made the side. He did though, and the T20s in particular went very well for him with some encouraging moments with the ball.

Ferguson, who has some leadership experience knew what was expected of him with Williamson and Southee absent. With the World Cup in India later this year an opportunity to play in the same place will be very important as it allows Ferguson and the others to get an understanding of the conditions.