New Zealand’s campaign in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy has been dealt a blow as pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The right-arm seamer suffered the injury during the team’s first training session in Karachi, forcing the Black Caps to make a last-minute change to their squad.
To compensate for Sears’ absence, New Zealand has named Jacob Duffy as his replacement in the 15-member squad ahead of their tournament opener against Pakistan on Wednesday. Duffy, a right-arm seamer, was already with the team in Pakistan as part of the ODI tri-nation series squad and is expected to slot into the team seamlessly.
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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Sears experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during training and was sent for scans. The results revealed a minor tear that would require at least two weeks of rehabilitation. While the injury is not severe, the timeline for recovery means Sears would miss a significant portion of the group stage.
Head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment over the young pacer’s unavailability for the tournament. “We’re all really feeling for Ben. It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it’s especially tough in Ben’s case given it would have been his first major ICC event,” Stead said in a statement released by NZC.
He further explained the decision to replace Sears in the squad, stating that the short nature of the tournament made it necessary to bring in a fully fit player. “The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage. Given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go,” he added. Stead remains confident that Sears will return in time for New Zealand’s home series against Pakistan.
Duffy, 30, has made 10 ODI appearances for New Zealand since his debut in July 2022, picking up 18 wickets at an average of 25.94 and an economy rate of 6.25. His most recent international outing came in early January against Sri Lanka in Hamilton, where he took two wickets while conceding 30 runs.
Stead praised Duffy’s ability to perform at the international level and highlighted his experience in subcontinental conditions. “Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level. He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series, so he’s fully acclimatized, and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go,” Stead said.
The Champions Trophy will be Duffy’s first major ICC tournament, and Stead believes it will be an exciting opportunity for the seamer. “He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him,” he concluded.
With Sears sidelined, New Zealand will be hoping Duffy can step up and fill the void as they prepare to take on some of the world’s best teams in the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand Squad:
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
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