ANDREW GALE reckons Yorkshire have struck lucky with Lockie.

The signing of New Zealand overseas fast bowler Lockie Ferguson for the ongoing Vitality Blast has already brought significant profit both on and off the field, says the Vikings head coach.

The Auckland quick has taken six wickets in four North Group games so far, three of which the White Rose county have won.

He was exceptional in Tuesday’s 18-run win over Leicestershire at Emerald Headingley with figures of 2-28 in four overs.

He was by far the most successful bowler across both teams in a match which saw an aggregate of 462 runs scored, equalling the T20 Blast record.

But his success has not just been limited to on the field.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Durham at Emerald Headingley (6.30pm), Gale said: “I think Lockie has been brilliant. He’s been great around the group off the pitch.

“He knows his game inside out and is very experienced.

“He bowls with good pace, and he’s teaching the younger lads a thing or two.

“You only had to look at the fields that were set at Worcester. They were very much fields like Lockie sets.

“You can see him talking to them before the game about their plans, and he’s been a great addition for us.”

And Gale pointed to Tuesday’s Leicester game as a prime example of why the 30-year-old has also been so valuable on the field.

“There are numerous games which see a side needing 30 off two overs to win, and we’ve struggled to close games out in the past,” he said.

“That’s why we looked at bringing Lockie in.

"He just shut the game down in that penultimate over, conceding only eight runs.”

Durham visit Emerald Headingley on Friday night having made a bright start to the North Group.

They host Lancashire at Emirates Riverside tonight bidding for their third win in four games.