Ferguson: Taking wickets upfront is key to beating India

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson was looking forward to bowl to Shikhar Dhawan for his good record against lefties.

Published : Jun 11, 2019 20:15 IST , Nottingham

New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson in action against Afghanistan in Taunton.
New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson in action against Afghanistan in Taunton.
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New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson in action against Afghanistan in Taunton.

Lockie Ferguson has had a dream start to his World Cup campaign. The New Zealand speedster’s returns so far have been three for 22, one for 40 and four for 37 against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively. Ferguson spoke to the media at Trent Bridge here on Tuesday.

Excerpts.

PERFECT LAUNCH

A very good start from the whole bowling group and we have taken 30 wickets in three games. Pleasing to contribute in each game and getting bounce off the wicket has been pretty nice. I am working on a few areas on how to put batsmen under pressure.

THE PROCESS

I am always looking to improve. Fortunately I have a very experienced bowling group around me and we always talk a lot, particularly when we are playing in the middle. It's a big positive environment to be playing in.

READ| Shikhar ruled out of World Cup

BOUNCE AND PACE

I don't swing the ball upfront, so I tend to bowl in the middle overs, create chances and wickets. In the last game, James Neesham came in and bowled the way we knew he could bowl. He is a big lad and can bowl quick and get bounce. It's important we focus on what we do best. It's exciting for Trent Bridge to have some bounce, hopefully it plays in our favour.

COUNTERING INDIA

India is an exceptional side with world class players. In Trent Bridge, there's pressure on batters to score runs. If they get out, we get early wickets. The pressure accumulates and we have done that in the first few games. 

WEATHER WOES

That's part of the game. In New Zealand we often get games rained out. It's really hard to make a call on that now. Hopefully we will get a full day's game. We will adjust our game plans according to the pitch and weather.

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