Ben Sears ruled out of India Tests due to knee injury; Uncapped fast bowler named replacement

The New Zealand national cricket team suffered a blow a day before the start of the three-match Test series against the India national cricket team.

Fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming away Test series against India, and the selectors have named Jacob Duffy as the replacement.

Ben Sears is known for his ability to bowl at speeds around 150 km/h. He made his Test debut against Australia earlier this year.

The bowler took five wickets, including 4/90 in the second innings. His absence from the series will add challenges to New Zealand as Kane Williamson is also on the sidelines.

Jacob Duffy To Replace Ben Sears New Zealand Test Squad

Ben Sears experienced pain in his left knee while training during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka.

The fast bowler underwent scans in New Zealand, and it was found that he had a tear in his meniscus. His departure to India was delayed with the hopes that he could be cleared to play in the Test series.

The 26-year-old bowler has been ruled out of the Test series against India following medical advice regarding his knee injury. He will plan treatment and rehabilitation soon.

Uncapped Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy has been named as the replacement and is set to travel to India today as per NZC.

We’re Obviously Disappointed For Ben Sears - Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that it was disappointing for Ben Sears to miss the Test series against India but hoped for a speedy recovery. Stead said that Sears made a strong start to his Test career during the home summer, adding that he offers a genuine 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,” said Stead.

“It remains to be seen how long we’ll be without him, 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," he added.

Jacob Duffy's Recent Experience Pushed His Place - Gary Stead

Gary Stead said that it will be difficult to select players during a period without domestic cricket. He added that Jacob Duffy's recent experience with Nottinghamshire in the County Championship helped secure his spot. Stead said that Duffy has been impressive for Kiwis in white-ball cricket.

"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,” Stead said.

Duffy is yet to make his Test debut for New Zealand, but he has shown promise in limited-overs formats. He has taken 11 wickets in six ODI matches and 11 wickets in 14 T20 Internationals. In first-class cricket, he has taken 299 wickets in 102 matches for Otago at an average of 32.64.

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