New Zealand pacer signed by Derbyshire for T20 Blast

Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand fast-bowler, was recently roped in by Derbyshire for the upcoming edition of the Vitality Blast. Last time around, Derbyshire finished second in the points table of the North Group, however, they lost to Hampshire in the Quarter Final to crash out of the tournament. The team will want to lift the trophy and Ferguson’s inclusion comes as a massive boost to them.

The Kiwi cranks up a pace of around 95 mph and he will be accompanied by the likes of Wahab Riaz, Ravi Rampaul, and Hardus Viljoen. He also played four matches for the Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL last year, however, remained unsold this time around. Cricket Advisor of Derbyshire, Kim Barnett sounded ecstatic on their latest recruitment.

“I’m absolutely delighted”- Ferguson

“Lockie is very quick, regularly bowls over 90mph and has IPL experience. We’re delighted to have him on board for the Vitality Blast. Lockie will complement our attack alongside fellow overseas Wahab Riaz and we’re looking forward to see how they go,” Barnett was quoted as saying by Cricket Derbyshire’s official website.

In the meantime, Ferguson, who has played 16 ODIs and one T20I for the Black Caps, also seemed keen to take the field for his new franchise. The Auckland-born cricketer also reminisced about an article, written by John Wright, the former New Zealand player.

“I’m absolutely delighted to play in the Vitality Blast for Derbyshire. The county has a long association with New Zealand cricket along with the current Specialist Twenty20 Coach John Wright. Interestingly, I read an article about Wright’s time playing for Derbyshire in the 1980s.

With the rules only allowing one overseas player per game, John said how it was always funny when opposition sides saw the team sheet and how happy they were to see him in the side,” he added.

Apart from internationals, he also has an experience of 33 first-class, 23 List A and as many T20 matches at the domestic level. Derbyshire’s opening match is against Lancashire on July 6.

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