New Zealand was forced to make a late change in its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad after Ben Sears was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
The Kiwis have made a like-for-like replacement, bringing fast bowler Jacob Duffy into the squad at the eleventh hour.
Sears felt discomfort during Blackcaps’ first training session in Karachi ahead of the tournament, which begins next week on February 19. Subsequent scans showed minor tear that would require at least two weeks of rehabilitation.
Duffy, who is already in Pakistan as part of the ODI Tri-series, will join the squad.
Also read | New Zealand’s Ravindra back at training after hit in face by ball
The pacer has played 10 ODIs for New Zealand since making his debut in 2022. The 30-year-old has picked up 18 scalps so far in his ODI career at an average of 25.94 and economy of 6.25.
New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the tournament opener in Karachi before travelling to Rawalpindi for the match against Bangladesh. It will then fly to Dubai to play India on March 2.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy