Ben Sears adds to New Zealand’s headaches with injury ruling him out of the series against India altogether.
Ben Sears is flying back to New Zealand after a knee injury ends his participation in the India series even before its start.
Jacob Duffy, uncapped in Tests, has been called up as Sears’ replacement. He will leave for India on Wednesday morning, the first day of the first Test of the series.
“Sears experienced pain in his left knee while training during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka. He underwent scans in New Zealand last week,” a New Zealand Cricket statement on Tuesday morning said. “His departure to India was delayed after scans revealed a tear to his meniscus. 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.”
With Sears out of the picture and Duffy unlikely to arrive in India in time for the opening Test. New Zealand will need to rely on Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Tim Southee to provide their fast-bowling attack. Their main bowler Ajaz Patel, together with all-rounders Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell, and the useful part-time spin of Glenn Phillips, are their frontline spin options. If need be, Daryl Mitchell’s pace-bowling skills can be used by New Zealand.
“We’re obviously disappointed for Ben, who made a strong start to his Test career during the home summer. He offers a genuine pace option,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said of Sears. He made his Test debut – his only appearance in the format so far – against Australia in Christchurch in March this year, and picked up five wickets in the game.
“It remains to be seen how long we’ll be without him. We’re hopeful his road to a full recovery will be a short one. 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.”