Ben Sears has been selected as a travelling reserve player to strengthen New Zealand’s fast bowling lineup for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Sears will join the Black Caps before their 20-over match schedule which starts on February 7. The ICC website reported that he will replace fellow quick Adam Milne who suffered an injury.
Sears will join the squad before New Zealand’s warm-up fixture against the USA on February 5. The Black Caps will play their first match at the T20 World Cup against Afghanistan on February 8.
Milne’s withdrawal resulted in Kyle Jamieson joining the main squad of 15. Sears was added to the playing group as a travelling reserve for the upcoming tournament.
Sears has been in good form for Wellington in New Zealand’s domestic Super Smash competition. Black Caps coach Rob Walter said the right-armer was well deserving of a call-up.
Walter said that Ben worked hard to return to the field which made his return to play and display his skills both satisfying to watch.
He played through the entire Super Smash season with the Firebirds where he achieved the second highest wicket total during round-robin play by taking 15 wickets in nine matches.
He would create a major impact for us in India when he becomes available for the World Cup because of an injury to another player he concluded.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi. Reserve: Ben Sears.
Download the CricInformer app
Take CricInformer with you. Get our app for cricket news and updates on your phone.