Cricket-New Zealand paceman Ferguson ruled out of England clash

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of Wednesday's World Cup match against England at Chester-le-Street by a hamstring complaint. The team confirmed on Twitter https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1146329180839264256 that the 28-year-old was suffering from a tight left hamstring and would be left out as a precaution.

With 17 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18.58, Ferguson has been New Zealand's highest wicket-taker in the tournament. The match in Durham is crucial for England, with a win securing their place in the semi-finals but a defeat leaving the door open for Pakistan. New Zealand have not qualified for the last four yet but given their superior run rate, Pakistan would need a freak result against Bangladesh on Friday to leapfrog the Black Caps.