Wed Oct 16 01:22:34 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Pacer Ben Sears Ruled Out of India Test Series with Knee Injury

**Bengaluru, India** – New Zealand’s hopes for the upcoming three-match Test series against India have been dealt a blow with the news that pace bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

Scans revealed a tear to Sears’ meniscus, forcing him to delay his travel plans to India. While the extent of the injury and his recovery timeline remain unclear, New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that a treatment and rehabilitation plan will be announced soon.

In a significant move, uncapped bowler Jacob Duffy has been named as Sears’ replacement and will fly to Bengaluru for the first Test, starting on October 16th.

Duffy, who has 299 first-class wickets, has represented New Zealand in 6 ODIs and 14 T20I matches. His recent impressive performances in the County Championship for Nottinghamshire earned him the call-up.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears’ injury but praised Duffy’s call-up, stating that it’s an exciting opportunity for the young bowler who “has every chance of making his Test debut.”

With the first Test just around the corner, all eyes are now on Duffy as he steps up to fill the void left by Sears in the Kiwi bowling attack.

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