Fast‑bowling injury woes hit New Zealand ahead of Guyana series

Sears’ exit is the latest in a string of setbacks for New Zealand’s quicks. Earlier this year, left‑arm fast bowler Blair Tickner was repatriated after undergoing ankle surgery, ruling him out of selection for the West Indies series. Additionally, opening bowler Jacob Duffy missed England’s recent Test series due to the birth of his first child.

The board also confirmed that Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke will be rested for workload management in the first half of 2026. With a depleted pace attack, coach Gary Stead faces a challenging task of balancing experience and freshness as the five‑match series kicks off in Guyana on July 11, 13 and 16, before moving to Bridgetown, Barbados for the final two games on July 19 and 21.