New Zealand has received some positive news regarding all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
Just days before the start of their Champions Trophy campaign, New Zealand suffered a major setback. Fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed Sears’ injury in a statement on Friday.
“During the team’s first training session in Karachi on Wednesday, Sears felt some discomfort in his left hamstring. A subsequent scan revealed a minor tear. His recovery will require at least two weeks of rehabilitation.”
Jacob Duffy has been called up as Sears’ replacement for the global event. The 30-year-old pacer was already part of the ongoing tri-series squad in Pakistan.
Amid the disappointment of Sears’ injury, New Zealand did receive some encouraging news.
During last Saturday’s tri-series match against hosts Pakistan, Rachin Ravindra suffered a head injury while attempting a catch. However, concerns over his condition have eased. He has resumed light training with the team but must continue following concussion protocols.
Ravindra has already passed his initial Head Injury Assessment (HIA), but head coach Gary Stead revealed that he experienced headaches in the days following the incident. He will need to clear further HIA tests before making a full return to action.
As a result, Ravindra will miss the tri-series final against Pakistan on Friday. With New Zealand set to begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Pakistan next Wednesday, his availability for that match remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, there is good news regarding Lockie Ferguson. After suffering a hamstring strain during the ILT20 in the UAE, he has yet to play in the ongoing tri-series and will also miss the final. However, Stead indicated that the pacer is progressing well and could return in New Zealand’s warm-up match against Afghanistan on Sunday in Karachi.
