Ben Sears Ruled Out of IND vs NZ Tests: Just a day before the much-anticipated Test series against India, New Zealand got their first blow as their pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The India vs New Zealand first Test will commence on October 16 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Sears was injured in the Kiwies’ last series against Sri Lanka, where the player was struggling with knee pain. Due to this, he didn’t follow the New Zealand squad to India.
“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,” New Zealand Cricket said.
Ben Sears Ruled Out of IND vs NZ Tests: Jacob Duffy Gets the Call
Jacob Duffy got the slot under Sears’ unavailability, and it will be a debut in red-ball cricket for the player for his country.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment for losing a very good pace option.
“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,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said in a statement.
“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.”
Though Duffy hasn’t worn the white jersey for New Zealand, the player had a good experience in the County Championship.
“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,” he said.
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