New Zealand speedster Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 with a hamstring injury. As per New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the 27-year-old pacer felt some pain in his left hamstring at the team’s first training in Karachi ahead of the ODI tri-nation series final.
The scans revealed a minor tear which will take at least two weeks’ rehabilitation. This means the speedster will likely be fit for the Kiwis' last league match of the tournament which will be against India on March 2. Considering his recovery time, New Zealand Cricket decided to rule him out of the marquee event.
Ben Sears ODI career
Sears has played two ODIs for New Zealand, he made his debut against Pakistan on February 8. The speedster featured in two ODIs where he bowled 16 overs and conceded 104 runs. He is yet to pick his maiden wicket in ODIs.
Who is Ben Sears's replacement, Jacob Duffy?
The Cricket Board replaced injured Sears by Jacob Duffy. Duffy made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2022. He played 10 ODIs where he bowled 448 balls and picked up 18 wickets. His last One-day international outing came against Sri Lanka on January 8, 2025. The speedster is already in Pakistan along with the squad as part of the ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and South Africa.
Head coach Gary Stead also opened up on the replacement.
“We’re all really feeling for Ben,” said Stead.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Head coach Stead also believes that Duffy was a strong replacement in the squad.
“Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at international level.
“He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series so he’s fully acclimatised and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go.
“He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him.”