New Zealand pacer ruled out of upcoming West Indies ODIs

New Zealand have suffered an injury setback ahead of their ODI series against the West Indies, with fast bowler Ben Sears ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Sears had been managing ongoing discomfort in his ankle since the four-day Test against Ireland in May, with the issue worsening during the final day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge. As a precaution, New Zealand have opted to send the pacer home for further assessment and treatment.

Ben Lister has been drafted into the 16-man squad as Sears' replacement and will join the team in Guyana in the coming days. The left-armer made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Karachi in 2023 and has represented New Zealand 17 times across formats, claiming 17 international wickets. He was also part of the most recent ODI assignment against Bangladesh in April.

Lister joins a pace attack featuring Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kristian Clarke and Matt Fisher, while returning captain Mitchell Santner leads the spin department alongside Michael Bracewell and Jayden Lennox.

**Series schedule:

First ODI:** July 11, GuyanaSecond ODI: July 13, GuyanaThird ODI: July 16, GuyanaFourth ODI: July 19, BarbadosFifth ODI: July 21, Barbados