Ben Sears replaces Matt Henry in Kiwis' squad for Windies ODIs

Matt Henry’s New Zealand career has been a story of start-stop. Whilst the pacer would have loved to play a longer run of games, injuries have stunted his playing time. The 30-year-old now has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against West Indies with a hip injury. With no signs of improvement ahead of the ODI series, New Zealand have called-up Ben Sears for the ODI squad. 

Sears, impressed the selectors with his consistent display in the domestic circuit, including shining for the Wellington Firebirds. In 22 List-A fixtures, the pacer has picked up 28 wickets, showing enough to earn himself a call-up to the men’s senior squad. 

"It's a shame for Matt to have to return home at this point of the tour," head coach Gary Stead said. "Although the injury is not overly serious - we felt there was a significant risk it would become worse through playing. Matt is on his way home as we speak and will begin his rehabilitation immediately with an eye to being ready for the ODI series in Australia in early September," Stead added.

"With the upcoming ODI series starting on Wednesday and consisting of three games over five days, we saw it as prudent to bring in a fully fit replacement."

"Ben comes fresh from a successful tour with the BLACKCAPS in Europe and while he is yet to play ODI cricket - we believe he's ready if called upon. At 24-years-old he's an exciting young prospect and we like the pace and skills he possesses," Stead opined.

The pacer will arrive to Barbados to join the rest of the squad on Monday, just two days prior to the start of the first encounter.