Another injury concern for New Zealand as young pacer ruled out of Test series against India

Bengaluru is set to witness the start of a massive India versus New Zealand Test series starting on Wednesday. Ahead of the series, Kiwis have suffered a huge blow. Fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the entire series owing to discomfort in his knee. Jacob Duffy, who is yet to make his Test debut, has been named as the replacement. 

It is to be noted that Kane Williamson will not be part of the opening game due to injury. The former Kiwi skipper had injured his groin during the last tour of Sri Lanka. Tom Latham is set to take the field as the new captain for New Zealand. Tim Southee had stepped down as the leader after the 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka. 

There could be bad news for cricket fans as Bengaluru has been experiencing heavy rains. The forecast for the game isn’t promising with downpour predicted on all five days of the game. Pune and Mumbai will host the next two games starting on 24th October and 1st November, respectively. 

New Zealand cricket puts out statement regarding injury 

Post the injury to Ben Sears, New Zealand cricket put out a statement which read, “Sears experienced pain in his left knee while training during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka and underwent scans in New Zealand last week."

The statement further stated, “His departure to India was delayed after scans revealed a tear to his meniscus, and the first available medical consultation was sought in the hope that he might have been cleared. However, following the medical advice, the decision was made to rule him out of the series. A plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course."

New Zealand 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."

30-year-old Jacob Duffy has played 6 ODI matches and 14 T20I matches for the Black Caps. The right-arm medium pacer also has picked 299 wickets in the first class format and brings in loads of experience. New Zealand also have experienced bowlers like Tim Southee and Matt Henry along with young sensation William O Rourke. 

Gary Stead while speaking about Duffy said, “Jacob's recent experience playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship certainly pushed his place. His performances in white-ball cricket for the Black Caps have always been impressive, and we're confident he'll be able to contribute if called upon.”