Ben Sears is to join the BLACKCAPS ODI Squad in Dunedin as cover for Kyle Jamieson, who experienced stiffness in his left hamstring after travelling back from Bangladesh.

The Test squad returned to New Zealand on Tuesday evening and Jamieson then flew on to Dunedin on Thursday.

Coach Gary Stead described the approach as “precautionary”.

“We’re taking a cautious approach with Kyle,” he said.

“We don’t want to rush or push him back, particularly at the very start of our home summer.

“He could play if absolutely necessary but we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks, hence calling in Ben for this first match.

Ben Sears will join the ODI Squad in Dunedin as cover for Kyle Jamieson, who experienced stiffness in his left hamstring after travelling back from Bangladesh. #NZvBAN https://t.co/YejFTfL59A

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 15, 2023

“Ben’s familiar to the team environment and it’s been good to see him back at full fitness for the Firebirds.”

Sears is yet to debut in ODI cricket but featured in the squad for last year’s Chappell-Hadlee Series in Cairns. -NZC