AUCKLAND: New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the five-match ODI series against the West Indies due to an ankle injury and has been replaced by Ben Lister.
Lister joins the 16-man squad and is expected to join the team in Georgetown ahead of the opening three games in Providence.
Sears has been managing ankle pain since New Zealand’s four-day Test against Ireland in May. The injury worsened on the final day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, where New Zealand won the series 2–1.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Sears’ withdrawal was a precautionary measure, with the fast bowler returning home for further treatment.
Lister, who made his ODI debut in 2023, has played four ODIs and taken six wickets. He was also part of New Zealand’s most recent ODI squad for the series against Bangladesh in April.
Fast bowling injuries continue to test New Zealand’s depth. While Jacob Duffy returns after missing the recent England Test series on paternity leave, Blair Tickner has been earmarked for ankle surgery.
Meanwhile, veteran fast bowlers Will O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry have been rested due to heavy workload during the England Test series.
New Zealand chief selector Gavin Larson stressed the importance of managing the country’s fast bowling resources.
“Having consistent fast bowlers is very important. You ask any selector around the world and you get the same answer,” Larsen said.
“We are in a reasonably good position with a number of quality fast bowlers, but the three Tests against England have already shown that form. Many players are now back on the treatment schedule or having surgery, so it is important to manage workloads and ensure a safe return to play.”
Along with Duffy, New Zealand’s pace attack consists of Nathan Smith, Christian Clarke, Matthew Fisher and Lister. Returning captain Mitchell Santner will lead the spin department with support from Michael Bracewell and Jaden Lennox.
The first three ODIs will be played in Providence, Guyana on July 11, 13 and 16, while the final two will be shifted to Kensington Oval on July 19 and 21.
New Zealand ODI Team: Mitchell Santner (catch), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (week), Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (week), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchells, Henry Nicholls, Henry Nicholls