“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,” stated a comment from Unused Zealand Cricket on Tuesday morning. “His departure to India was delayed after scans revealed a tear in his meniscus, and the first available medical consultation was sought in the hope that he would have been cleared.
“Or, following scientific advice, a verdict was issued excluding him from the sequence. In the end a plan could be instructed on the best treatment and rehabilitation of the trauma.”
In Sears’ absence, and without Duffy arriving in India in time for the first Test, New Zealand will have to recover its fast bowling attack between Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke. Among the frontline spin options, they have Ajaz Patel as their main bowler, all-rounders Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell, and the useful part-time spin of Glenn Phillips. New Zealand can also call on the pace bowling services of Daryl Mitchell if required.
“It is not yet known how long we will be without him, but we are hopeful that his path to a complete solution will be shorter. It is an exciting opportunity for Jacob, who has been present in the team before “With 3 Checks ahead, he has each and every chance to make his Check debut.”
Duffy, 30, has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is so far, and has 299 first-class wickets to his name.
“Jacob’s recent joy at playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship surely boosted his park,” Stead said. “His performances in white-ball cricket for the Lightless Caps have always been notable and we are confident that he will be able to contribute if asked.”
New Zealand’s tour of the Republic of India begins with the first Test in Bengaluru, before the series heads straight to Pune and Mumbai.
