Wellington: New Zealand have drafted in uncapped pacer Ben Sears as a replacement for injured Will O’Rourke in the squad for the second Test against Australia starting Friday.
O’Rourke’s hamstring injury ruled him out of the Christchurch fixture, prompting speculation about veteran seamer Neil Wagner returning from retirement to square the series.CricketNZ
However, coach Gary Stead dismissed such suggestions, stating Sears was a “like-for-like” substitute for O’Rourke, given his pace. The 27-year-old has taken 19 wickets in first-class cricket at an average of 27.03.
“We wanted someone with genuine pace. Ben fits the bill and has also enjoyed recent success against Australia,” Stead remarked.
He added Wagner was content with his decision to retire following New Zealand’s celebration of his Black Caps career.
Opener Devon Conway will also miss the second test after thumb surgery, which ruled him out of the first and parts of the IPL season. He is expected to recover for the T20 World Cup in June.
New Zealand faces scrutiny for their all-seam attack in Wellington, where Australia spinner Nathan Lyon bagged 10 wickets. Selectors ignored Mitch Santner’s off-spin despite part-timer Glenn Phillips’s five-for.
Admitting failure to read signs of spin-friendly conditions, Stead said Santner would have played had they anticipated the bounce. New Zealand will look to bounce back in Christchurch and level the series.
