Champions of Change: Lockie Ferguson
HIA #192 Lockie Ferguson bowls like a bullet train, beating batsmen with his precision and pace.
Lockie just produced an historic bowling effort to help the Black Caps win at the T20 World Cup game against Papua New Guinea. He bowled four maiden overs, taking three wickets without conceding a single run. This remarkable effort played a significant role in New Zealand's seven-wicket victory, making him the first player in T20 World Cup history to achieve such an economical spell. When it comes to seeing this level of performance time and time again we must ask ourselves, what is it about Lockie that allows him to play to such a high quality?
We delved into the mind of this elite bowler to find out.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in sports or life, and why?
Probably my brother. Being four years older than me, I was always just trying my best to compete with him, be better than him. That (unknowingly) instilled a work ethic early on, to train hard when no one is watching.
Lockie and his brother, Mitch Ferguson.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as an athlete?
Yeah, it was the 2019 Cricket World Cup for sure. One of those moments where everything lined up well for me personally, and as a team. Without a doubt it really kicked my career forward and gave me the confidence needed to be able to consistently perform at the top level.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If in doubt, bang it in at pace.
Lockie bowls during the men's T20 World Cup cricket match between the West Indies and New Zealand.
Nice. What does a typical training day look like for you?
Ideally, I train in the morning so I can at least bowl 6-8 overs. This also includes fielding and batting training, then I go back to the hotel to tick off some weight training in the afternoon.
What is the strangest yet most effective training that's worked for you?
It’s not that strange, but Pilates (early on) has really helped me understand my core and how I can get the most use out of it.
Do you have a pre-game ritual, song, or meal?
No pregame ritual for me. I have some routine, like stretching at the hotel and then again at the ground. Always the same 6 stretches. I also try to kick a football around for fun to ease the nerves or tension.
How do you stay motivated?
Definitely personal pride in my performance, but mostly just the constant want to get better and develop with the game as much as possible. Cricket is a very unforgiving sport so that part keeps me moving toward a match winning performance.
What techniques do you use to stay focused and composed?
I mostly just try and keep my self talk in check. Catching myself if I think too much into the future, and what might happen etc. I just try to focus on the next ball, which is easier said than done.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
Stress fractures are never easy and I will never forget tearing my calf on day 1 of my test debut. But, there’s always something to be learned there and I guess takes us back to the piece around trying to get better.
What is it about your mindset that's enabled you to succeed in your sport?
Continuing to try and attack, not defend. When I’m doing this I feel that I bowl my best and it somehow makes it easier to live with failures.
Let’s hear it for one of the world’s top bowlers, Lockie Ferguson! Thanks for letting us on the inside mate, we appreciate the insight.
To follow Lockie @lockieferguson
