NZ vs SA 2026: ‘A pleasure to watch Ben Sears shine’ – Lockie Ferguson on Kiwis’ sharp comeback

New Zealand bounced back exactly as expected, and Lockie Ferguson credited their quick adaptability. In the first T20I against South Africa, the Kiwis were bowled out for just 91.

They responded brilliantly in Mount Maunganui, posting 175 on the board and then giving the Proteas a taste of their own medicine by bowling them out for 107 in the second T20I.

“I think more than anything, we talk a lot about 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,” said Ferguson as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“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,” he added.

Ferguson missed the T20 World Cup due to the birth of his first child, and returning to the field made him very happy. Watching Ben Sears take three wickets, the same as Ferguson, made the experience even better.

“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. 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,” said Ferguson.

“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,” he added.

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