Ferguson out of Sri Lanka ODIs

COLOMBO: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is out of the one-day international series against Sri Lanka with a leg injury, days after taking a hat-trick against the same opposition.

Ferguson went off for treatment straight after becoming the sixth New Zealander to take a Twenty20 international hat-trick during his second over in Sunday´s series-levelling win in Dambulla. Seamer Adam Milne replaces the 33-year-old white-ball specialist and will join the squad in Dambulla ahead of Wednesday´s first ODI of a three-match series.

“We´re gutted for Lockie,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead. “He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball and he´s also brought a lot of leadership to this group.

“We´re hopeful his recovery will be short and he´ll be back out on the field in no time.” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said it was a “massive blow”. Sri Lanka have their own injury woes, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to a hamstring strain.

Dushan Hemantha has been drafted in, but Jeffrey Vandersay is expected to take the lead role. “It´s a setback, sure, but Jeffrey stepped up when Hasaranga was injured against India and performed admirably,” Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka said.