Injury Update: The Kiwi fast bowler Ben Sears, who was a key component of the Test side going to India, will miss the upcoming three-match Test series after suffering a minor knee injury. Jacob Duffy, an uncapped Test cricketer, is his replacement and will depart Wednesday the same day the first Test series will get underway.
Update On Ben Sears’s Injury
New Zealand Cricket stated that Sears reported a soreness in his left knee during practice ahead of the Test series recently played in Sri Lanka. New Zealand scans confirmed that he has a tear in the meniscus and that it would not be possible to recover quickly enough for his inclusion into the series. Medical advice was again the basis for this decision, and going forward, a treatment and rehabilitation plan would be developed.
Squad News | Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to a knee injury and will be replaced by Jacob Duffy 🏏 #INDvNZhttps://t.co/oSjqrzKrSz
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In the absence of Sears and with Duffy missing the first Test, New Zealand will need to have recourse to a very strong three-pronged attack with its fast men in Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke. From the spin perspective, with Ajaz Patel being the most seasoned, the all-rounders Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell will support the part-time spinner, Glenn Phillips. To further add depth to the bowling attack, Daryl Mitchell can be called upon in case there is a need for medium seam work.
Coach’s Views Of Sears And Duffy
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead feels a bit disappointed for Sears: he made quite a promising start in Test cricket, having debuted against Australia in Christchurch earlier this year when he picked five wickets. “We hope his recovery will be pretty speedy,” Stead said. He also emphasized Jacob Duffy, who is a part of the test squad and has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is, striking 299 first-class wickets.
Stead acknowledged the recent form that has been shown by Duffy of Nottinghamshire, especially in the County Championship. He believes that if he is given a chance for the series, he can play a very important role.
Test Series Schedule
The New Zealand side will begin its India tour with a three-Test match series against the Indian team. It will begin with a Test in Bengaluru and then shift base to Pune, where the final match will be played in Mumbai. This is the most crucial test series for this side as it will want performances to go well during this grueling tour.
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