Sears experienced pain in his left knee while training during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka and underwent scans in New Zealand last week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"His departure to India was delayed after scans revealed a tear to his meniscus and the first available medical consultation was sought in the hope that he might have been cleared. However, following the medical advice, the decision was made to rule him out of the series,\" New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We\u2019re obviously disappointed for Ben who made a strong start to his Test career during the home summer and offers a genuine pace option. It remains to be seen how long we\u2019ll be without him for, but we\u2019re hopeful his road to a full recovery will be a short one,\" Head coach Gary Stead said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Duffy, who is Otago\u2019s all-time leading wicket-taker. He has featured in six ODIs and 14 T20Is for New Zealand and currently has 299 First-Class wickets to his name.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s an exciting opportunity for Jacob who has been around Test the squad before. With three Tests ahead of us he has every chance of making his Test debut,\" Stead said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Jacob's recent experience playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship certainly pushed his place. His performances in white-ball cricket for the BLACKCAPS have always been impressive and we\u2019re confident he'll be able to contribute if called upon,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s an exciting opportunity for Jacob who has been around Test the squad before. With three Tests ahead of us he has every chance of making his Test debut,\" Stead said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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