Big setback to New Zealand just before the Bengaluru Test against India, a strong player is out of the entire series due to injury

The three-match Test series between India and New Zealand has been scheduled to start with the opening match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from Wednesday, October 16th, but a day in advance, there is a big jolt for the Kiwi team. New Zealand pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the entire series due to an injury. The replacement of the fast bowler has also been announced by the team management. Uncapped Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy has been named as Sears's replacement.

Sears, who fared well in New Zealand's last domestic season, felt pain in his left knee during the practice session in Sri Lanka during the recent Test series. A scan, after he came back to New Zealand, showed that the 22-year-old seamer had injured his meniscus. His departure for India was, however, delayed with the anticipation of a medical clearance but now it has been decided to drop him after the advice of doctors.

Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead shared his disappointment for not having Sears available. Stead said, "I'm definitely disappointed for Ben, who made a great start to his Test career during the domestic season and became a real pace option. Now it remains to be seen how long we will be without him. We hope he will return soon.

The Kiwis have, instead called uncapped Otago Volts bowler Jacob Duffy. Otago bowler Duffy has experience of 299 wickets in first class. He has represented the Blackcaps in six ODIs and 14 T20 Internationals. Stead said that his performance in white-ball cricket for the Blackcaps has always been good and we are confident that he'll make a valuable contribution here too.