New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson recently recalled the 2019 World Cup semi-final against India, stating that he had never before played a one-day match over two days as well. Ferguson also added that the win at Old Trafford in Manchester was incredibly special for the team as well.
During a pre-match press conference, Ferguson said: “Four years ago was a pretty spectacular game. I’ve never played a one-day game over two days, it’s literally not even in the title. So, I think playing that game was pretty incredible and obviously very pleasing for us at the time. But four years have gone past, we’ve played a lot of cricket in between, and both teams I’m sure are raring to go come Wednesday.”
The veteran bowler also believes it’s vital to stick to the process that has kept them level-headed and also added that New Zealand have been overawed with the support they have received from the fans in India as well.
READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad
He said: “Certainly, from our point of view, when we start the competition, much like every other team we’re here to win it, but of course, we know there’s a process. We sort of stick to our processes and, I know it sounds cliche, but I think it keeps us sort of level-headed and naturally as Kiwis we tend to stay where our feet are, which I think is a positive. But yeah, we look forward to big tournaments. Obviously, this one being in India is pretty spectacular with the fans, the support. We’ve been loving seeing all the New Zealand jerseys around too, so that’s certainly helping us.”
However, Team India beat New Zealand earlier in the tournament in Dharamsala as Daryl Mitchell’s classy hundred took the Kiwis to 273 in the first innings. However, Virat Kohli stood strong to take the team to the finish line by four wickets. Meanwhile, Ferguson, who has taken 10 wickets in the 2023 World Cup, opened up on the need to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible as well.
“Yeah, look, it was a hard-fought game. Of course, with one-day cricket and playing against India, there’s a lot of ebbs and flows. I think it’s not going to be any different come this game. We’ve just got to tighten up as much as we can. I guess can’t really provide much more information than that. I guess just as I was saying earlier, we’ll adjust to the wicket, see what we think will be a good score, and do our best to defend it. And if we bat first, try to put runs on the board, which we think will be a good score,” Lockie Ferguson concluded.
