New Zealand have strengthened their fast-bowling resources for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with the inclusion of in-form pacer Ben Sears as a travelling reserve, the Black Caps confirmed on Friday.
Sears has been added to the squad following the injury-enforced withdrawal of Adam Milne, which saw Kyle Jamieson elevated to the main 15-member World Cup squad. The right-arm seamer will link up with the team ahead of the tournament, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a strong outing in New Zealand’s domestic Super Smash, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the round-robin stage with 15 wickets from nine matches for Wellington Firebirds.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said Sears’ selection was a reward for his recent performances and perseverance.
“Ben’s worked hard to get himself back on the park, and it’s been great to see him back playing and performing well,” Walter said. “It will be great to have Ben with us here in India and ready to make an impact at the World Cup should someone get injured.”
Sears is expected to join the squad ahead of New Zealand’s warm-up match against the USA on February 5. The Black Caps will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Reserve: Ben Sears.
