Australia v New Zealand: Kiwis urged to play uncapped quick Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand may be without Trent Boult in Perth but they still intend to go into the day/night Test against Australia with all guns blazing. And that means unveiling something special.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
New Zealand are set to hand a debut to speedster Lockie Ferguson with reports left-armer Trent Boult has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia in Perth with a side strain.
The Black Caps have refused to confirm their team until the toss at Optus Stadium.
Ferguson’s injection will give the visitors a great chance to make the most of what is expected to be a lively deck in the west.
Stream the Australia v New Zealand Domain Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly>
Former Kwi Test wicketkeeper Ian Smith, who will be part of the Fox Cricket commentary team for the three-Test series that starts on Thursday, is sure to be delighted. He was spruiking the 28-year-old’s credentials earlier in the week after he harassed his teammates with sharp lift in the net.
“Selectots have got to wake up and pull the curtains and find out where they are and that’s Australia and that is conducive to bowling fast,’’ Smith said.
“I believe he (Ferguson) should play. He’s an element of the unknown. They’ve all seen him do very well in the World Cup, but you can’t coach 145-150km/h from time to time and if it’s very accurate it’s very often hard to play and commands respect. I would have him.
“It’s all very well for the ball to swing and seam around initially, but at 135km/h when it stops doing that, how are you looking? That’s bit of a problem from New Zealand’s point of view. I’d have him in the side.
“What I would think about here, knowing it hasn’t had a massive history of Test cricket or spin, I might even think about playing four (fast bowlers) and just going at Australia and say, ‘Fight fire with fire’.”
Smith hinted spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner, a recent century-maker against England, could be a luckless casualty if Ferguson played.
“It’s a difficult call, it’s one they have to consider because if it’s a one for one and you keep Santner in, probably Southee is the one they’re looking at. But I’ll bring in the pink ball to that.
“Red ball, bright sunny day late in the afternoon, I’m with you, but I just worry that late in the afternoon the pink ball kicks in all night and Southee over the years has been one of the best seam/swing bowlers that we’ve had. That is an asset we might just need at this particular venue.’’
Originally published as Australia v New Zealand: Kiwis urged to play uncapped quick Lockie Ferguson