New Zealand quick bowler Ben Sears has been dominated out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as a consequence of a hamstring harm. The Blackcaps pacer skilled discomfort in his left hamstring throughout the crew’s first coaching session in Karachi on Wednesday, and scans later confirmed a minor tear requiring at the least two weeks of rehabilitation.
With the event’s quick period, Sears would seemingly have been obtainable just for New Zealand’s closing Group A match towards India in Dubai. Given the circumstances, the crew administration has determined to exchange him with Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy, who’s already in Pakistan as a part of the squad for the continued ODI Tri-Collection towards Pakistan and South Africa.
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New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears’ harm, notably as this was set to be his first main ICC occasion. “We’re all actually feeling for Ben,” Stead mentioned. “It’s at all times robust being dominated out of a significant occasion at such a late stage, and it’s particularly robust in Ben’s case given it could have been his first main ICC occasion.”
Stead emphasised that the choice to herald Duffy was based mostly on the necessity for a totally match participant. “The timeframes for Ben to be match to play once more meant he would seemingly miss the vast majority of the group stage, and given the quick nature of the event, we felt it was applicable to herald a participant who’s totally match and able to go.”
Regardless of the setback, Stead stays optimistic about Sears’ return to cricket. “Ben is a participant with large potential, and given the quick rehabilitation timeframe, we’re positive he’ll be match and raring to go for the house collection towards Pakistan again in New Zealand.”
Duffy, who impressed within the current dwelling collection towards Sri Lanka, now joins the squad as Sears’ substitute. Stead praised the 29-year-old’s capabilities. “Jacob confirmed together with his performances within the current dwelling collection towards Sri Lanka that he’s greater than succesful at worldwide degree. He’s been a part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Collection, so he’s totally acclimatised, and he’s acquired loads of expertise in these circumstances. He’s match and able to go.”
With this being Duffy’s first senior ICC occasion, Stead famous that it could be an thrilling alternative for the bowler. “He’s one other participant who can be experiencing his first senior ICC occasion, so will probably be an thrilling few weeks forward for him.”
The Blackcaps start their Champions Trophy marketing campaign within the event opener towards hosts Pakistan on Wednesday.
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, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Younger.
New Zealand’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- 19 February – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- 24 February – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- 2 March – India vs New Zealand, Dubai
