Ben Sears ruled out of India Tests

New Zealand pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against India due to a knee injury. Uncapped player Jacob Duffy has been named his replacement and will travel to India on Wednesday (October 16) morning. 

Sears underwent scans in New Zealand last week having experienced pain in his left knee while training during the tour to Sri Lanka. As per the New Zealand Cricket release, “scans revealed a tear to his meniscus" and Sears’ departure to India was delayed. Ultimately, upon medical advice, Sears was ruled out of the tour and “a plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course".

Duffy, who has made six ODI and 14 T20I appearances for the Black Caps, has claimed 299 first wickets and is Otago’s top wicket-taker. 

"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 New Zealand head coach Gary 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.

"It's an exciting opportunity for Jacob who has been around the squad before. With three Tests ahead of us he has every chance of making his Test debut," Stead said about Duffy. "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."

New Zealand’s opening test against India is slated to commence on October 16 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, a rain threat looms over the match. India’s practice season scheduled for Tuesday has been cancelled due to the weather and the forecast for the remainder of the week doesn't look promising either. The second test match of the series will be held in Pune from October 24 while the third and final test will be played in Mumbai from November 1.