![Ben Sears has been ruled out of the New Zealand vs WI ODIs [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782967224249_BenSearsruledout.jpg?type=hq)
Ben Sears has been ruled out of the New Zealand vs WI ODIs [Source: X]
New Zealand's pace bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. The development came after Sears was reported to have sustained a crucial ankle injury.
Ben Sears, who has been one of the primary bowling options for the Black Caps and would have been one in the upcoming West Indies series, experienced pain in his ankle since the fourth-day Test against Ireland in the month of May.
The Sears problem that risks New Zealand against West Indies
The very same pain that Sears had earlier flared up during the final day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge. As a result, the New Zealand management has decided to take a precautionary approach and send Ben Sears back home to New Zealand for further treatment and rehabilitation instead of risking aggravating the injury.
The decision comes as a significant setback for the Black Caps, who were expected to rely heavily on Sears' pace and ability to strike with the new ball during the five-match ODI series alongside Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke.
Sears has emerged as one of New Zealand's dependable fast-bowling options across formats, and his absence will certainly leave a void in the bowling attack.
However, with a long international calendar still ahead, the team management has preferred to prioritise his long-term fitness rather than rushing him back into competitive action.
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New Zealand announce replacement for Ben Sears
With Sears ruled out of the upcoming West Indies ODI series, New Zealand have now called up Auckland Aces pacer Ben Lister to the 16-man squad.
Lister will be Sears' like-for-like replacement and is expected to join up with the squad in Guyana over the coming days. The left-arm seamer has remained on the selectors' radar for quite some time and now gets another opportunity to prove his worth on the international stage.
Ben Lister to add significant help in the absence of Sears
For the unaware, Ben Lister made his ODI debut for the Black Caps in 2023 against Pakistan and has represented New Zealand on 17 occasions while picking up 17 wickets across formats.
The 30-year-old has also been a consistent performer in New Zealand's domestic circuit, where he has impressed with his disciplined line and length, variations, and ability to bowl effectively in both the powerplay and the death overs.
The upcoming series against the West Indies presents him with another chance to cement his place in New Zealand's pace-bowling setup.
As for Ben Sears, the ankle injury might add to the growing list of setbacks he has suffered in recent times.
With no official statement from New Zealand Cricket regarding his injury management and recovery timeline, it is very likely that he will remain out of action for an extended period, with his chances of returning midway through the ODI series appearing extremely slim.
The medical staff are expected to monitor his progress closely before taking any decision regarding his comeback.
Sears to get enough rest ahead of India series
New Zealand will next face India after the West Indies series on October 22. Ahead of that assignment, the Kiwis have no international commitments, giving Sears ample time to recover if his rehabilitation progresses as planned.
The break in the schedule could prove beneficial for both the player and the management, allowing them to focus entirely on his recovery without the pressure of immediate international fixtures.
The New Zealand cricket team will take on the West Indies in the first ODI on July 11 and will continue the five-match series until July 21, with the final encounter scheduled to be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
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