New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining two tests against Australia, but the embattled tourists are confident spearhead Trent Boult will be fit to provide a spark in the pivotal Boxing Day test. The hapless Black Caps struggled against an in-form Australia in the first test at Perth Stadium and were blown away by 296 runs inside four days.New Zealand have won only one test in Australia since their sole series triumph across the Tasman Sea in 1985-86 and their prospects of winning a second nose-dived when debutant Ferguson suffered a calf strain on day one and he was unable to bowl.The 28-year-old bowled just 11 overs at a cost of 47 runs on day one and his horror debut included being denied a maiden test wicket when Tom Latham dropped Australia talisman Steve Smith at slip. The fast bowler, who will need five to six weeks to recover, is returning to New Zealand and a replacement for him will be named on Tuesday, coach Gary … [Read more...] about New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson out for series, Boult likely for MCG test
New zealand
New Zealand volcano investigation could take a year, says Ardern
An investigation into whether anyone was at fault for the deaths of at least 16 people in a volcanic eruption in New Zealand last week could take as long as a year, the county’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday. A week after the eruption of Whakaari, also known as White Island, 14 people remain in burns units around New Zealand, 10 of them in critical condition, 13 more were airlifted to hospitals in Australia where one person has since died. The bodies of two people are still missing. New Zealanders observed a minute’s silence on Monday afternoon to commemorate the disaster. Ardern was in a cabinet meeting, where ministers observed the event, and Judy Turner, the mayor of Whakatane – the town closest to the island – led a moment of remembrance there for hundreds of mourners, according to Radio New Zealand. Specialists from New Zealand’s military hoped to return to Whakaari on Monday to search the nearby waters for two bodies that they could … [Read more...] about New Zealand volcano investigation could take a year, says Ardern
Siddle considered as Australia eye five-pronged attack in 2nd Test against New Zealand
Peter Siddle could be in for a surprise recall for the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand as Australia considers deploying a five-pronged attack on what is expected to be a benign Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch. Australia dominated the series-opener with a commanding 296-run victory inside four days, controlling the contest throughout and dismissing New Zealand for 166 and 171 despite losing Josh Hazlewood for the majority of the day-nighter.The tall quick started the match at Perth Stadium spectacularly with the wicket of Jeet Raval but suffered a low-grade hamstring tear in his second over and did not bowl again.Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second test and the reserve seamers in the squad, James Pattinson and Michael Neser, will be the frontrunners to replace him.Australia coach Justin Langer will name a squad replacement for Hazlewood on Tuesday, however, and said 35-year-old Siddle was in the frame having taken 12 wickets at 15.16 for Victoria in three Sheffield … [Read more...] about Siddle considered as Australia eye five-pronged attack in 2nd Test against New Zealand
Australia vs New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out Of Test Series With Calf Strain
Lockie Ferguson suffered a calf strain while bowling on his Test debut. © Twitter New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, injured during his debut Test in Perth, has been ruled out for the remainder of the Test series in Australia. Lockie Ferguson pulled up with a calf strain on Day 1 of the first Test at the WACA. New Zealand Cricket's official handle tweeted on Monday that the pacer will return to New Zealand and will need four to six weeks for rehabilitation. "Lockie Ferguson is returning home from Australia after sustaining a grade two right calf-muscle tendon strain while bowling in the 1st Test in Perth," the Blackcaps tweeted."The injury is expected to need four to six weeks rehabilitation," they added in the tweet.They also said that a replacement player will be named in the next 24 hours. Lockie Ferguson is returning home from Australia after sustaining a grade two right calf-muscle tendon strain while bowling in the 1st Test in Perth.#AUSvNZ … [Read more...] about Australia vs New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out Of Test Series With Calf Strain
New Zealand observes silence as PM warns of long volcano probe
New Zealand marked one week since the deadly White Island eruption with a minute’s silence Monday, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern warned grieving families they face a lengthy wait for answers. At 2:11pm (0111 GMT) — exactly a week since the eruption — offices and shops fell silent as New Zealanders remembered the 16 international tourists and two local guides who died, along with at least 18 more now receiving intensive treatment for severe burns. Flags flew at half-mast outside Wellington’s distinctive “Beehive” parliament building, while inside Ardern suspended a cabinet meeting and stood head bowed to reflect quietly on the disaster. “Our thoughts continue to be with the families of those who have passed and those who are injured,” she said. A total of 47 day-trippers and guides were on the island at the time, hailing from Australia, the United States, Britain, China, Germany, Malaysia and New Zealand. Whakatane mayor Judy … [Read more...] about New Zealand observes silence as PM warns of long volcano probe
