Ben Sears Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - Jacob Duffy Replaces Him
Author: Joy Sarcar
Updated At:
New Zealand's preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have suffered a setback with pace bowler Ben Sears ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Jacob Duffy, who is currently part of the squad for the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, has been named as Sears' replacement for the eight-nation tournament.
According to an official statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Sears experienced pain in his left hamstring during the team’s first training session in Karachi. A subsequent scan revealed a minor tear, requiring at least two weeks of rehabilitation. With this timeline, Sears would only have been available for New Zealand’s final group-stage match against India on March 2, prompting the decision to replace him for the entire tournament.
Head Coach Gary Stead Expresses Disappointment
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his sympathy for Sears, acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on what would have been his first major ICC event.
“We're all really feeling for Ben,” Stead said. “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 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.”
Stead, however, reassured fans that Sears is expected to recover in time for New Zealand’s home series against Pakistan later this year.
Jacob Duffy Ready to Step Up
Jacob Duffy, who has been part of the squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series, is set to replace Sears in the squad. The 29-year-old fast bowler has been in strong form, having impressed during New Zealand’s recent home series against Sri Lanka.
“Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level,” Stead said. “He’s been part of the squad for the ODI tri-series, so he’s fully acclimatized and has plenty of experience in these conditions. He’s fit and ready to go.”
Duffy will be making his debut in a senior ICC tournament, and Stead is confident that the seamer will rise to the occasion.
New Zealand’s Champions Trophy Campaign
New Zealand will kick off their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19. Their second group-stage match will be against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24, before their final group game against India in Dubai on March 2.
With the tournament format being highly competitive, the Black Caps will be hoping that Duffy can make an immediate impact in Sears' absence. Their pace attack will be crucial, especially considering the challenging conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.
While Sears' injury is a blow to the squad, New Zealand remains optimistic about their chances in the tournament. Fans will also be closely monitoring cricket betting prediction for today's match to gauge how the team is shaping up ahead of their crucial encounters.
As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues, all eyes will be on New Zealand’s pace attack to see how they adapt to this unexpected change in their squad.
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