Ben Sears ruled out of India Tests due to knee injury; Jacob Duffy named replacement
New Zealand pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the Test series against India on the eve of the first contest in Bengaluru, due to a knee injury. The management have named uncapped Jacob Duffy as a replacement for the three-match affair.
Ben Sears was part of the squad that toured Sri Lanka recently for a two-match Test series. While he didn't make an appearance, he complained of pain in his left knee while training for the second Test in Galle. The pacer underwent scans in New Zealand last week, and the results revealed a tear to his meniscus.
There was some hope that he would recover in time and be cleared to play the series against India. However, upon the advice of the medical staff, he has been ruled out entirely, leading to New Zealand naming a replacement at the last moment.
"BLACKCAPS pace-bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to a knee injury. A plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course," a statement by New Zealand Cricket read.
Sears' replacement Duffy is unlikely to be available for the first Test as he will only be joining the squad on Day 1 in Bengaluru.
“We’re obviously disappointed for Ben who made a strong start to his Test career during the home summer and offers a genuine pace option. It remains to be seen how long we’ll be without him for, but 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," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said ahead of the first Test.
New Zealand have enough pace bowling resources to get through the first Test at least. Veteran Tim Southee and emerging pacer William O'Rourke handled the seam bowling responsibilities in their recent subcontinent endeavor in Sri Lanka, while medium pacer Daryl Mitchell is also available to roll his arm over if required.
Ben Sears had made his Test debut earlier this year against Australia
The 26-year-old is viewed among the pacers who could be part of the bowling setup amid New Zealand's transition period. Sears made his debut during the home Test series against Australia, picking up five wickets in his sole appearance so far.
New Zealand are desperate to turn their fortunes around after a whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka. The Blackcaps are already without their star player Kane Williamson, at least for the start of the series, due to a groin injury.