New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears is traveling to Melbourne for a rehabilitation stint as he recovers from a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old will play for Melbourne University Cricket Club in Victoria Premier Cricket, featuring in six matches including five T20s and one 50-over game. This arrangement aims to provide him with adequate short-format match practice during his recovery period. Sears has been out of action since early October after sustaining a hamstring injury during the T20I series against Australia. The injury was a recurrence of a previous problem that had already ruled him out of the Champions Trophy in February. With New Zealand's domestic calendar currently centered on the Plunket Shield, the Melbourne stint ensures he gets crucial grass-wicket experience before the Super Smash season begins with Wellington in late December. If fully fit, he is expected to be part of New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad in February.
Rehabilitation Strategy and Return Plans
Rob Walter emphasized the importance of this rehabilitation approach, noting that Sears has missed significant cricket in two of the last three summers. The decision to send him to Melbourne was made to ensure he receives as much grass-wicket match time as possible before returning to the Super Smash. Walter highlighted that Sears is a crucial part of New Zealand's future plans, especially with an important period of T20 cricket approaching. The coaching staff wants to ensure he has the safest and most appropriate return-to-play plan in place. Sears has been progressing well in his recovery, and New Zealand cricket officials are looking forward to monitoring his performance in Melbourne before his domestic return.
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