Uncapped New Zealand pacer Ben Sears has been drafted into the Kiwis’ ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, replacing Kyle Jamieson, who is sidelined due to a stiff left hamstring.
The 28-year-old pacer returned to New Zealand after participating in the two-Test series in Bangladesh. Subsequently, Jamieson traveled to Dunedin to join the ODI squad. Despite featuring in both Tests in Bangladesh, where he took two wickets in 34 overs and scored 52 runs in three innings, Jamieson will miss the 50-over series due to his hamstring issue.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed the news, stating that the decision to call up Sears was a precautionary measure for Jamieson. Stead mentioned, “We’re taking a cautious approach with Kyle. We don’t want to rush or push him back, particularly at the very start of our home summer. He could play if necessary but we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks, hence calling in Ben for this first match. Ben’s familiar to the team environment, and it’s been good to see him back at full fitness. While Sears, a 25-year-old pacer, is yet to make his ODI debut, he has previously featured in six T20Is and was part of the ODI squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Series against Australia last year. The Kiwis are scheduled to face Bangladesh in the first ODI on December 17 in Dunedin, followed by the second ODI in Nelson on December 20 and the third in Napier on December 23.