2nd Test
Ben Sears is set to make a Test debut for a New Zealand team in a Christchurch
New Zealand captain Tim Southee has confirmed that Wellington seamer Ben Sears will make his Test debut in the second Test against Australia, set to commence on Friday (March 8) in Christchurch.
The 26-year-old Sears will step in to replace Will O’Rourke, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered during New Zealand’s 172-run defeat in the opening Test.
Speaking on the eve of the Test, Southee expressed anticipation about Sears’ potential, highlighting his ability to generate genuine pace.
“Offers real pace.
We saw him clock 150 (kmh) earlier in the summer in a T20 against Bangladesh, so excited to see what he’s got at test level,” Southee said.
“He’s a tall fella.
He’s got pace, he’s got something about him.
Obviously, the job Will O’Rourke did in the couple of test matches he played… again another tall guy with a bit of pace and skill about him, so excited to see what Ben has got.”
Southee remained non-committal about whether Sears’ inclusion would be the sole alteration for the hosts.
New Zealand’s decision to field an extra seamer in Scott Kuggeleijn in Wellington, leaving out left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, was deemed by many as a mistake, particularly given the assistance it provided to Nathan Lyon, who achieved a 10-wicket match haul, the first spinner to do so in New Zealand since Muttiah Muralitharan in 2006.
While conditions at the Hagley Oval historically favor the faster bowlers, with 349 wickets taken by pacers compared to 34 by spinners in the last 12 Tests at the venue, Kuggeleijn’s performance in Wellington was not as penetrative as desired.
New Zealand’s selection dilemma is further compounded by the series scoreline and Southee’s own bowling form.
As he approaches his landmark 100th Test, Southee acknowledged his recent lack of wickets, with only four scalps in his last three Tests at an average of 80.25, expressing his desire for improved performances.
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