Speaking ahead of the third T20I of the five-match series, Ferguson said, “I think more than anything, we talk a lot about in the Black Caps adapting to conditions. It’s not always as easy as it sounds but certainly when a wicket we expect to play well doesn’t play as well as we think, it’s important to try and work out what a good total on that is. Sometimes you don’t get that right.
“But at the same time, I think [the Hamilton game] was a good example of us adapting very quickly. Probably I thought 175 was an outstanding total on that. Although Dev [Devon Conway, who top-scored with 60] probably not as fluid as he always looks, it was a challenging wicket and he got the runs that we needed and posted a great total.”
“Every time there’s an Eden Park game, it’s when I sort of circle in the calendar to try and get there for. But yeah, an interesting style of cricket. Sometimes there’s more run outs because the ball doesn’t kind of go off the outfield as quick”
Lockie Ferguson
“I really miss playing in New Zealand. It was unfortunate the start of the summer with an injury. I was really looking forward to quite a lot of T20 cricket at home. I love playing in New Zealand in front of the home crowd, conditions I’m used to,” Ferguson said. “So, yeah, stoked to get a game in last night. The bowling group as a collective were great. So they made my job a bit easier, the pressure from both ends.
“Yeah, he [Sears] has still got more pace in him, I think. But look, he’s bowling well. It’s good to see him get some consistent training time with us overseas. He was working on his game every training session. I saw him running in hard and working on different change-ups, different lines, asking the right questions. And it’s that development that we’ve seen in the last few years, which will stand him well in the next few years and as long as his career goes.
“But a pleasure for me to watch from side on, seeing him get extra bounce, scaring some of the batters certainly. And I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes at Eden Park in the third T20I] too.”
Eden Park can often be high-scoring, especially because of the short boundaries there.
“Yeah, it can be daunting playing at Eden Park for sure,” Ferguson said. “It’s obviously a shorter boundary, straight. The crowd feels like they’re right on your back. But the thing we get at Auckland is we get a great crowd supporting us. And we always have amazing games at cricket there. So I certainly love playing there. Every time there’s an Eden Park game, it’s when I sort of circle in the calendar to try and get there for. But yeah, an interesting style of cricket. Sometimes there’s more run outs because the ball doesn’t kind of go off the outfield as quick.”
Wherever it is New Zealand play – for now in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – he will have a new member in his entourage looking on.
“Beau, the boy, he’s a month old. He [came] to his first game [in Hamilton]. So excited,” Ferguson said. “Good from him, trialling, obviously doing some hotel stays and travel. So I’m sure he’ll be there fizzing to get around the boys and, of course, the girls on Friday. But yeah, really great to play at home.”
