Ben Sears, a seamer from Wellington, will play in his first Test match against Australia in the second Test, which begins in Christchurch on Friday, March 8. This was confirmed by New Zealand captain Tim Southee. Sears, 26, will enter the game in lieu of Will O’Rourke, who was sidelined following a hamstring injury sustained during New Zealand’s 172-run loss in the first Test.
“Offers a genuine speed. On the eve of the Test, Southee remarked, “We’re interested to see what he’s got at test level after seeing him clock 150 (kmh) earlier in the summer in a T20 against Bangladesh. “He’s a tall man. He has a certain something about him and tempo. Naturally, the work that Will O’Rourke put in during his two test matches… once more, a big man with a hint of speed and skill, I’m eager to see what Ben has to offer.”
Regarding if the hosts’ only change will be the addition of Sears, Southee remained ambiguous. On a track that appeared to be turning green, New Zealand chose to play an extra seamer in Scott Kuggeleijn, leaving out left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner in the process. Looking back, it was a blunder of a choice considering the support it gave to Nathan Lyon, who became the first spinner to return a match haul of 10 wickets in New Zealand since Muttiah Muralitharan in 2006.
Although faster bowlers have taken 349 wickets at the Hagley Oval against the 34 of the spinners in the last 12 Test matches played here, Kuggeleijn wasn’t effective enough in Wellington, taking 2 for 87 in the first innings and then being used for just three overs in the second as Glenn Phillips displayed superb spin bowling.
Southee’s bowling form and the series scoreline compound New Zealand’s selection dilemma. The skipper of New Zealand, who this week will make history by being the first fast bowler to appear in 100 games across all three international formats, has only claimed four wickets at an average of 80.25 from his three Test matches this year. He didn’t hesitate to break the record in the midst of the joyous occasion of his approaching 100th Test.
“You always want to be performing at your best and I think there’s no hiding from the fact that the currency we deal in as a bowler is wickets, and the last three Test matches I haven’t got the wickets I would have liked,” he stated.
“I continue to think there must be more to it. Within that, there are roles as well. As the side’s most seasoned bowler, I have probably not performed to my full potential. You try to improve every week, though, just like everyone else. You make an effort to present yourself in the best possible light every week. To give yourself the best opportunity, you should prepare as much as you can, and during the past few days, that has been the case. That’s what I did.
I’ve occasionally felt alright. There are moments when you feel well but don’t get the wickets. At times, you may feel down and end up taking a few wickets. Thus, I believe you just need to have faith in your abilities. having faith in your work.
“However, it’s undeniable that the previous two Test matches have been lacklustre. That is something I am aware of. Continually, I would like more wickets. And hopefully more will follow.
