New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury, a body blow for New Zealand on the eve of the ICC event commencing from February 19.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named Jacob Duffy as the replacement for Sears.
“Sears felt some discomfort in his left hamstring at the team’s first training session in Karachi on Wednesday, and an MRI scan confirmed a minor tear with a rehabilitation period of at least two weeks,” NZC said in a statement.
“The timeframe for pumping him meant that he would probably play only in the last Group A match against India in Dubai, so it was decided earlier he would not play.”
Sears’ absence has paved the way for Duffy, who is currently with the squad for the ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa.
“We’re all really feeling for Ben. Being ruled out of a major event this late in the piece is always going to be tough; but in Ben’s case, given that it would have been his first major ICC event makes it even tougher,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.
“The time frames for Sears to return meant he would have missed most of the group stage, and with the tournament being relatively short, it was decided to bring in a player who had the fitness required.”
“Ben is a player with huge potential, and with it being only a short rehabilitation process, I’m sure he will be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.”
In commenting on Duffy’s inclusion, Stead said, “Jacob performed well during his last home series against Sri Lanka, which gave him enough proof of his potentiality to perform beyond this country’s cricket at the highest levels.
“He has been a part of the ODI Tri-series team, so he knows these conditions very well and has got ample experience of it. He is fit, and it will be good to see him back.
“Another one making his maiden appearance for a senior ICC event, so it is going to be a really exciting next few weeks for him.”
They will open their Champions Trophy campaign against hosts Pakistan in a Group A match on February 19, 2007, in Karachi.
