New Zealand's cricket team has called up fast bowler Ben Sears to join their One-Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh. This move comes in the wake of Kyle Jamieson’s recent hamstring issue, prompting the team management to make a precautionary change.
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Jamieson experienced discomfort in his left hamstring following the team’s return from a Test series in Bangladesh. Upon his arrival in Dunedin on Thursday, after traveling back with the Test squad, it became evident that he needed time to recover. New Zealand’s Head Coach, Gary Stead, emphasised the importance of taking a cautious approach with Jamieson’s situation, thereby ruling him out of the ODI series.
"We're taking a cautious approach with Kyle [Jamieson]. We don't want to rush or push him back, particularly at the very start of our home summer. He could play if absolutely necessary but we don't want to take any unnecessary risks, hence calling in Ben for this first match," Stead said.
Ben Sears, although yet to debut in ODIs, is not new to the international scene. He was part of the New Zealand squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Series held in Cairns last year and has previously donned the Black Caps jersey in T20 Internationals. This opportunity in the ODI format could prove to be a significant step in his burgeoning cricketing career.
"Ben's familiar to the team environment and it's been good to see him back at full fitness for the Firebirds," he added.
The ODI series between New Zealand and Bangladesh is set to commence on December 17th in Dunedin. The teams will then move to Nelson for the second match on December 20th, with the series concluding in Napier on December 23rd.
Sears’ inclusion in the squad underscores New Zealand cricket’s depth in fast bowling resources and its commitment to managing player fitness, especially in the demanding international schedule. With Jamieson sidelined, Sears will be looking to make the most of this opportunity to establish himself in the ODI setup, adding another dimension to New Zealand’s bowling attack against a competitive Bangladesh side.
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