Follow UsNew Zealand pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against India, starting on October 16 (Wednesday), due to a knee injury. The Black Caps have brought in Jacob Duffy as his replacement.
“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,” stated the New Zealand Cricket release.
“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.”
Sears played his only Test against Australia earlier this year, picking up five wickets across two innings. “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,” said NZ head coach Gary Stead.
“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.”
The 30-year-old right-arm pacer, Duffy has featured in six ODIs and 14 T20Is but is yet to make his Test debut. The Otago’s all-time leading wicket-taker has played 102 first-class games and picked up 299 wickets at an average of 32.64 and a strike rate of 62.5.
"Jacob's recent experience playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship certainly pushed his place. His performances in white-ball cricket for the BLACKCAPS have always been impressive and we’re confident he'll be able to contribute if called upon,” said Stead.
The first Test will be played in Bengaluru before the action shifts to Pune and Mumbai respectively.
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