New Zealand have strengthened their pace attack ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with in-form seamer Ben Sears named as the Black Caps’ travelling reserve for the global tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
The right-arm quick joins the squad following Adam Milne’s injury withdrawal, which prompted Kyle Jamieson’s elevation into the main 15-player group, leaving Sears as the first fast-bowling backup option. With conditions in the subcontinent demanding both pace and adaptability, the move gives New Zealand added depth and insurance heading into a demanding campaign.
Sears arrives on the back of a standout Super Smash season for Wellington, where he claimed 15 wickets in nine matches, finishing as the competition’s joint second-highest wicket-taker during the round-robin phase. His rhythm, pace and ability to strike in the powerplay made him one of the most consistent threats on the domestic circuit, earning praise from head coach Rob Walter for forcing his way back into national contention.
“Ben’s worked hard to get himself back on the park and performing well,” Walter said, highlighting the seamer’s resilience after previous injury setbacks. “It will be great to have him with us and ready to make an impact should the opportunity arise.”
Sears will link up with the squad before their warm-up clash against the USA on February 5, with the Black Caps opening their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on February 8. While officially a reserve, the 26-year-old now sits just one call away from the biggest stage, and in tournament cricket, opportunities can arrive fast.
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
