New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson to head home for birth of first child

Lockie Ferguson will return home on Sunday to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. He will miss ICC Men's T20 World Cup Group D match against Canada.New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the team expects Ferguson to rejoin the squad for the Super 8 stage if New Zealand qualify.New Zealand lost by seven wickets to South Africa in their last match. They will play Canada in Chennai on Tuesday.In a statement from New Zealand Cricket, Walter said the team is happy that Ferguson can be home for this important moment."It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma and we’re pleased that he’ll be at home for such a special occasion,” said Walter in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement.“At this stage, we won’t be replacing Lockie in the squad as the plan would be for him to return for the Super 8 phase of the tournament.“But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad should we need them.”Ferguson, 34, has taken four wickets for 108 runs in three matches in the tournament.New Zealand will next face Canada in their final Group D match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World CupNew Zealand are second in the Group D table with four points.