Big blow for New Zealand ahead of the first test match against India. Their fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the entire Test series due to a knee injury. As per the reports, a tear to the meniscus in his left knee, occurred during training in the recent Sri Lanka series. After scans and medical consultations in New Zealand, Sears was advised to withdraw from the upcoming three-match Test series, which starts tomorrow, in Bengaluru. New Zealand Cricket has named Jacob Duffy as Sears’ replacement. Duffy yet to debut for Test cricket, will join the squad and have chances to debut later in the series.

Head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment at Sears’ absence, emphasizing his role as a promising fast bowler. He also expressed optimism that Sears’ recovery would be swift, while Duffy’s inclusion is seen as an exciting opportunity for the team.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead 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. 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.”

Duffy has been a prominent figure in New Zealand’s domestic cricket circuit, playing for Otago. He made his international debut in T20 Internationals for New Zealand in 2020 and has since played both T20Is and ODIs. Duffy has taken 299 first-class wickets. His standout performances in domestic cricket and county cricket (played for Nottinghamshire) earned him a spot in New Zealand’s Test squad for the series against India, following an injury to Ben Sears.