Ferguson focuses on 'positives' from tough Australia tour

Ferguson focuses on 'positives' from tough Australia tour

Lockie Ferguson, the 25-year-old Auckland fast bowler, said that he was looking forward to the challenge of bowling in familiar climes ahead of the first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match rubber against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Monday (December 26). The tearaway fast bowler, who made his ODI debut in the recently-concluded Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia, endured a chastening experience, picking up a solitary wicket for 123 runs.

Ferguson had issues with overstepping, cramps and also struggled for control through the course of the series. The fast bowler stated that there were positives to take from his tough initiation to international cricket.

"It's just the small mistakes you make go the distance in the next level up. Obviously, players are a lot better at that level and they get on top of the mistakes you make. You try and limit those mistakes."

"There were a lot of positives as well. I was happy with parts of my bowling. I knew I could compete at that level and do well at that level. Now I'm looking forward to [the next] challenge at home [against Bangladesh]. It's just making sure I'm doing what I want to achieve. If a guy plays a great shot I can't affect that. I've let the ball go. Batters are allowed to play good shots too," he pointed out.

Ferguson's career has been blighted by injuries. He sustained a stress fracture of the back at the age of 18. Even after he forced his way into Auckland Aces' side in 2012-13, he had to wade through injury problems. As a result, the 25-year-old pacer had played a mere eight List A games before he donned his maiden ODI cap in Australia. However, Ferguson was selected based on the fact that he had picked up 16 wickets in those eight List A games.

The inexperienced right-arm seamer acknowledged that Bangladesh have a 'solid side' in the abridged versions of the game and the hosts have to play well to overcome the Asian nation.

Incidentally, Bangladesh had won seven ODIs in a row against New Zealand before they lost the World Cup encounter between the two sides in Hamilton in 2015. "I didn't play the under-19s [due to injury] so this is another new challenge. They're a solid side nowadays. They're not easy to beat like they used to be."

Mike Hesson, New Zealand's head coach, admitted that Ferguson had to wade through a difficult time in Australia. However, he observed that the right-arm pacer is a 'quick learner' and has worked hard on his variations in the domestic circuit.

"It doesn't get a lot tougher than what Lockie experienced in Australia but without Adam Milne we have to build up our stocks in terms of quick bowlers. Lockie's certainly got pace and he's also a quick learner. He's gone back to domestic cricket, he's been confident with his variations and he's bowling a really good bouncer at the moment too," Hesson said.

"He'll certainly challenge the Bangladeshis throughout this series with pace and a little bit of swing with the new ball as well," he added.