New Zealand To Miss This Injured Pacer In Champions Trophy; Replacement Announced

The injury list of the pacers before the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is getting bigger, as New Zealand was forced to make last-minute changes in their 15-member squad of the eight-team tournament, which will begin on February 19.

The Blackcaps will open the event against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. They went through a fantastic preparation through the tri-series in the host country against South Africa.

Ben Sears to miss Champions Trophy for New Zealand

The right-arm pacer, Ben Sears, won’t be part of the 50-over ICC event anymore with a hamstring injury, as he felt pain in his left hamstring at the team’s training session in Karachi on February 12 (Wednesday).

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A subsequent scan revealed a minor tear for the bowler that would require at least two weeks’ rehabilitation, New Zealand Cricket confirmed in a statement. That means Sears could feature in their final group game against India at the Dubai International Stadium on March 02, but the management has ruled out the chance.

“We're all feeling for Ben. It's always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it's especially tough in Ben's case given it would have been his first major ICC event.” Gary Stead, the Kiwi head coach, addressed.

"The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go.” Stead revealed.

Sears has taken part in two ODIs so far against Pakistan and South Africa but is yet to enjoy a wicket in the 50-over format. The right-arm pacer collected five scalps in two Test innings at an average of 32.20, besides earning 19 T20I wickets in 15 innings at an average of 22.31.

“Ben is a player with huge potential, and given the short rehabilitation timeframe, we're sure he'll be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.” New Zealand’s head coach reckoned.

Sears joined the long list of injuries of the pacers, including Anrich Nortje, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and many more.

Jacob Duffy comes as Ben Sear’s replacement

Jacob Duffy, who is not a part of the tri-series squad, replaced Sears for the Champions Trophy. However, he is playing the final of the tri-series against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 14.

The 30-year-old right-arm pacer has played 10 ODIs for New Zealand to pick up 18 wickets at an average of 25.94 and a strike rate of 24.80. His last 50-over contest came against Sri Lanka in the last home series when he picked up 2/30 in five overs at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.

“Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level. He's been part of the squad for the ODI tri-series, so he's fully acclimatized, and he's got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go.” Gary Stead explained.

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“He's another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him.” The veteran concluded.

New Zealand hopes for a better performance in the Champions Trophy

The runners-up of the 2009 edition of the tournament had a tough time in the 2013 season of the competition. They opened with a victory against Sri Lanka in Cardiff but faced defeat and a washed-out result.

During the last season in 2017, New Zealand failed to record a win, with successive defeats against England and Bangladesh. They will hope for a better show against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India in the group stage of this year’s event.