September 9, 2024

‘You can’t have it all’: Lockie Ferguson Shares Insights on His International Future After Declining New Zealand Central Contract

Three New Zealand superstars are set to make their Big Bash League debut this season. Still, for Black Caps speedster Lockie Ferguson, it will feel more like a homecoming, having already played in Sydney’s first-grade competition.

The 33-year-old was picked up by the Thunder on a $360,000 platinum contract during last week’s BBL Draft, marking his return to Sydney seven years after his last appearance for the Sutherland District Cricket Club, where he played in his early twenties.

For three consecutive summers, Ferguson trained and competed in Cronulla to prepare for New Zealand’s domestic season, which typically begins in late October.

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“It’s pretty rainy (in Auckland) at that stage, so getting on grass is almost impossible,” Ferguson explained.

“It helped me immensely, getting over there and having that build-up leading into our domestic season, rather than going from indoor nets to a full four-day game.

“I loved my time there. I’ve got a lot of good mates in Sydney now too, which is awesome.”

He giggled and added, “I’ve had a couple of the guys from the club message me and ask if I’ll be available for Saturdays in between (Big Bash) games.”

Before making his international debut, Ferguson had already taken the bold step of crossing the Tasman Sea. Since then, he has emerged as one of the top short-format bowlers in cricket.

The right-arm quick has claimed 61 wickets in T20 Internationals at an impressive average of 17.72, with an economy rate of 7.15. Only Pakistan’s Umar Gul has taken more wickets at a better average among pace bowlers from Test-playing nations.

In his most recent international outing, a T20I against Australia in Auckland last February, Ferguson delivered a standout performance, taking 4-12 in 3.5 overs, including the crucial wicket of Steve Smith. Just months later, during New Zealand’s T20 World Cup match against Papua New Guinea in the Caribbean, he bowled a four-over spell without conceding a single run.

“Obviously bowling in Australia is great, you get the pace and bounce, so hoping to get a bit of that there,” said Ferguson, the only specialist pace bowler chosen at this season’s BBL Draft.

“Stoked to be with Sydney, love the city. My wife’s over the moon as well with going back to Sydney, she loves it there.”

The Thunder also added Guyana’s Sherfane Rutherford to their roster, who smashed an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls during the West Indies’ T20 World Cup win over New Zealand, a match that ultimately eliminated the Black Caps from the tournament.

“It will be nice to have him on my side,” Ferguson laughed.

Ferguson has been brought in to help lift the Thunder from the bottom of the BBL standings after the Western Sydney team managed just one win last season. However, he won’t be available for the finals series, as he will leave early to join the United Arab Emirates’ ILT20 league, which kicks off on January 11.

After turning down a central contract with New Zealand Cricket, Ferguson joins fellow Kiwis Trent Boult, Adam Milne, and Finn Allen in prioritizing T20 leagues over international duties. Meanwhile, Black Caps stars Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have opted for more flexible agreements that allow them to pursue freelance opportunities.

The BBL has benefitted from this exodus of Kiwi talent, with four New Zealand players participating in this season’s competition—three more than last summer. Tim Seifert, the wicketkeeper, inked a two-year contract with the Melbourne Renegades, while Allen signed a platinum contract with the Perth Scorchers. Colin Munro was retained by the Brisbane Heat.

“It’s been interesting this season seeing a few more guys come off the central contracts and take up Big Bash opportunities,” Ferguson said.

“There’s no doubt the way franchise cricket’s going, it provides a lot of opportunities … certainly when it comes to the latter stages of your career.

“It’s a tough one. Cricket boards are probably wondering what’s next, especially for some of the smaller nations. I certainly don’t have the answers.

“Not easy times for New Zealand, working out how it looks best for players.”

Ferguson still hopes to represent New Zealand in upcoming ICC tournaments, including next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. However, he acknowledges that national selectors may look in other directions.

“I’m still very committed to play for the Black Caps in and around the franchise competitions,” Ferguson continued.

“I’ve got a very good relationship with (New Zealand coach) Gary (Stead) and the team.

“From my point of view, when I’m not playing these T20 leagues, I’m still available and keen to play for New Zealand. However I understand that you can’t have it all.

“Hopefully there’s still a place for me going forward with the Black Caps, certainly with the big competitions. I’ll be continuing to push for a spot.”

Ferguson, a passionate supporter of the NRL’s Warriors and the NBL’s Breakers, has also voiced his support for New Zealand having its own team in the BBL if the league ever considers expanding.

“For sure, the players have talked about it a lot,” Ferguson said.

“Not sure how it would work … but I certainly think it would be great to somehow get the New Zealand players playing the Big Bash as well.

“The Kiwis follow the Big Bash very closely. I’m certainly excited about getting my first crack this year.

“If there was a time where we could get a couple of New Zealand sides and then spread the New Zealand players, I think it would be good for both Australia and New Zealand cricket.”

Before starting his first Big Bash season, Ferguson is incredibly excited to face his national teammate Allen. The two will compete against each other at Perth Stadium on January 3.

“Finn’s front chin’s still bruised from the last time I played him,” he laughed.

“I’ll be sure to let him know.”

The Thunder will kick off their BBL campaign on December 17 when they take on the Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

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