IND vs NZ: Fast bowler Ben Sears ruled out of test series, New Zealand announce his replacement

Ben Sears made his test debut in March earlier this year in Christchurch.

Ahead of the first test of the three-match IND vs NZ series, New Zealand have been given a dent in their bowling department as seamer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the entire series due to a knee injury.

Sears is one of the four seam-bowling options in New Zealand’s original squad and could have been in line to feature in the first test because of the damp pitch and the overcast conditions in Bengaluru. However, now he will not be able to take any part in this series.

A statement from New Zealand Cricket said, “Sears experienced pain in his left knee while training during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka and underwent scans in New Zealand last week. His departure to India was delayed after scans revealed a tear to his meniscus, and the first available medical consultation was sought in the hope that he might have been cleared.

“However, following the medical advice, the decision was made to rule him out of the series. A plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course,” it added.

Sears made his test debut in March this year against Australia in Christchurch, where he picked five wickets in the match, including a four-wicket innings haul.

Jacob Duffy named as Ben Sears but won’t be available for first test

Jacob Duffy, who has played 20 white-ball internationals but is uncapped in test cricket, has been named as Sears’ replacement for the test series against India. However, he will not reach Bengaluru in time to be available for selection.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Sears “offers a genuine pace option” and now he is left with Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke in the pace department for the first test.

Duffy has 299 wickets in 102 first-class games with 12 five-wicket hauls and 11 four-wicket hauls.

Stead said, “It’s an exciting opportunity for Jacob, who has been around Test the squad before. With three Tests ahead of us, he has every chance of making his Test debut.”

“Jacob’s recent experience playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship certainly pushed his place.”

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