Wellington: New Zealand have suffered another blow ahead of their Test series against India, with fast bowler Ben Sears ruled out of the series through injury.
The Kiwis are unlikely to be without former captain Kane Williamson for at least the first Test of the three-match ICC World Test Championship series and the loss of Sears further depletes their playing stocks ahead of the first Test that commences on Wednesday.
Sears experienced pain in his left knee during a recent training session and scans revealed a tear to his meniscus, with an extended period on the sidelines now expected.
Fellow quick Jacob Duffy, who has yet to be capped at Test level, has been called into the side as Sears’ replacement and will depart to India on Wednesday.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead was disappointed to lose Sears, but believes Duffy can fill the void with aplomb if he wins selection, an ICC report said.
“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 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," he said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for Jacob who has been around Test the squad before," Stead said.
"With three Tests ahead of us he has every chance of making his Test debut," he said.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (2nd & 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Series schedule:
First Test: 16-20 October, Bengaluru
Second Test: 24-28 October, Pune
Third Test: 1-5 November, Mumbai.
