New Zealand have suffered a setback ahead of their ODI series against the West Indies, with fast bowler Ben Sears being ruled out due to an ankle injury. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Sears had been experiencing persistent ankle pain since the Test against Ireland in May, which worsened during the final day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge. As a precaution, he has been sent back to New Zealand for further treatment.
Left-arm pacer Ben Lister has been named as Sears’ replacement in the 16-member squad and is expected to join the team in Guyana shortly. The 30-year-old has represented New Zealand in four ODIs and 13 T20Is, claiming 17 international wickets. Meanwhile, Blair Tickner is also unavailable after returning home for scheduled ankle surgery, while Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke have been rested following a heavy workload during the first half of 2026. Jacob Duffy returns to international cricket after missing the England Test series for the birth of his first child.
The five-match ODI series between New Zealand and the West Indies begins in Guyana on July 11, with the next two matches scheduled for July 13 and July 16. The final two games will be played in Barbados on July 19 and July 21. New Zealand will be aiming to build on their historic 2022 tour, when they secured their first-ever ODI series victory in the Caribbean.
