Fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the India Test series, commerces from Tuesday (October 15). Uncapped bowler Jacob Duffy has been called into the squad as a replacement of Sears.

Ben Sears
Ben 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. His departure of India was delayed due to his scans results. He has sustained a tear in his knee and he's ruled out of the India Test series.

Kiwi head coach Gary Stead said he was hopeful Sears would make a fast recovery.

“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,” said Stead.

“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.

New Zealand's updated squad for the India Test series :

1. Tom Latham (Captain), 2. Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper), 3. Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), 4. Mark Chapman*, 5. Devon Conway, 6. Matt Henry, 7. Daryl Mitchell, 8. Will O’Rourke, 9. Ajaz Patel, 10. Glenn Phillips, 11. Rachin Ravindra, 11. Mitchell Santner, 12. Jacob Duffy, 13. Ish Sodhi (2nd & 3rd Test only), 14. Tim Southee, 15. Kane Williamson, 16. Will Young.