Seamer to join New Zealand T20 World Cup squad as back-up

New Zealand have boosted their fast bowling stocks at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with the addition of in-form pacer Ben Sears as the travelling reserve.

Sears will join up with the Black Caps prior to the 20-over showcase in India and Sri Lanka that commences on February 7 following the injury to fellow quick Adam Milne last week.

Milne's withdrawal saw Kyle Jamieson join the main squad of 15, with Sears added to the playing group as a travelling reserve for the upcoming tournament.

Sears has been in good form for Wellington in New Zealand's domestic Super Smash competition and Black Caps coach Rob Walter said the right-armer was well deserving of a call-up.

“Ben’s worked hard to get himself back on the park and it’s been great to see him back playing and performing well,” Walter said.

“He’s had a full Super Smash campaign with the Firebirds where he was the competition’s joint second-top wicket-taker from the round-robin stage with 15 wickets from his nine games.

“It will be great to have Ben with us here in India and ready to make an impact at the World Cup should someone get injured.”

Sears will join the squad prior to New Zealand's warm-up fixture against the USA on February 5, with the Black Caps opening match at the T20 World Cup coming against Afghanistan on February 8.

New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi. Reserve: Ben Sears