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Sydney Thunder have been dealt a major setback after New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out for the remainder of the Big Bash League season due to a calf injury. The development comes just days before Ferguson was scheduled to link up with the side for a short stint, starting with Thunder’s clash against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 3.
The right-arm speedster will now return to New Zealand to begin his recovery, the franchise confirmed in an official statement. Ferguson’s absence is a significant blow to Sydney Thunder’s campaign, given his experience and raw pace.
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“We’re gutted that Lockie won’t be with us this year,” said Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland. “Not only does he bowl at 150km/h with immense experience across conditions, but he’s also one of the best humans in cricket and added so much culturally to our squad. We wish him the very best in his recovery and hope to see him back in Thunder colours one day.”
David Willey named as replacement for Lockie Ferguson
Wasting no time, Sydney Thunder have signed England left-arm seamer David Willey as Ferguson’s replacement for the remainder of the season. Willey brings vast T20 experience and tactical versatility, particularly with his variations under pressure.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome David Willey,” Copeland added. “His ability to bowl deceptive slower balls, yorkers and cutters makes him a proven match-winner.”
Willey will miss Thunder’s upcoming fixture against the Hurricanes but is set to join the squad ahead of matches against the Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades. This will mark his first appearance for Sydney Thunder, having previously represented the Perth Scorchers across two BBL seasons.
World Cup concerns for Ferguson
Prior to the injury setback, Ferguson had featured in the ILT20 for Desert Vipers, picking up five wickets in five matches. However, the timing of the injury places him in a race against the clock ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Punjab Kings will also be closely monitoring Ferguson’s recovery. The IPL franchise retained the 34-year-old for the 2026 season despite ongoing fitness concerns. Ferguson was ruled out midway through IPL 2025, managing just four appearances and five wickets, a repeat injury absence would be a major concern for the Shreyas Iyer-led side.
Updated Sydney Thunder squad
Along with Ferguson, England pacer Reece Topley has also departed the Thunder squad to participate in SA20 Season 4 in South Africa. The updated Sydney Thunder squad now includes:
Wes Agar, Charlie Anderson, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG), Ollie Davies, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O'Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, David Willey (ENG)
