New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has provided an update on the injury concerns of key players Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson ahead of the ODI tri-series final against Pakistan in Karachi on Friday. The tournament serves as a crucial build-up for the Blackcaps ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan.
The two sides will play against each other again in the Champions Trophy opener at the same venue on Wednesday.
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Ravindra was forced to leave the field after taking a blow to the forehead while attempting a catch during the first ODI of the tri-series. Meanwhile, Ferguson has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the ILT20 in the UAE.
Speaking on Ravindra’s condition, Stead stated: “Rachin obviously got that nasty blow in Lahore to the forehead. The pleasing thing is he’s progressing well. So, we are following HIA protocols at the moment. He’s had a headache for a few days, but that’s subsiding, which is really good news. He hit a few balls tonight for the first time, which is good. But it’s still a few more steps for him to go through before he would be considered fit for play.”
On Ferguson’s progress, Stead added: “And Lockie has been out there. He has had a couple of bowls since he has been here, so the intensity was up a little bit more tonight. Pleased with how he’s tracking and certainly will look to have him playing in one of the next two games.”
Ravindra suffered the injury while fielding in the 38th over of New Zealand’s match against Pakistan. The poor quality of floodlights at the Gaddafi Stadium was blamed for the incident, as he lost sight of the ball while attempting a catch off Michael Bracewell, resulting in the heavy blow to his face.