New Zealand pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against India due to a knee injury.

The opening Test begins here on Tuesday. Sears’s departure to India was delayed after he experienced pain in his left knee during New Zealand’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. Scans back home revealed a tear to his meniscus, prompting medical consultations in hopes he could be cleared to play.  “Following the medical advice, the decision was made to rule him out of the series. A plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course,” New Zealand Cricket said.