Ben Sears

Ben Sears is an express right-arm fast bowler from Wellington who has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in New Zealand’s pace arsenal. Born on February 11, 1998, in Lower Hutt, Sears is renowned for his ability to consistently clock speeds above 140 km/h and generate steep bounce from a high release point. After years of impressing on the domestic circuit with the Wellington Firebirds, he made a sensational Test debut against Australia in March 2024, where he claimed five wickets, including the prized scalp of Steve Smith. His raw pace and aggressive approach provide a distinct point of difference for the Black Caps, marking him as a high-ceiling talent capable of spearheading the attack across all three formats.

As of early 2026, Sears has navigated a challenging period of injuries, including a knee issue that sidelined him from the 2024 India tour and a minor hamstring tear that disrupted his 2025 Champions Trophy campaign. Despite these setbacks, he has proven his international pedigree with standout white-ball performances, notably picking up consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODIs against Pakistan in April 2025. Following a successful stint with Yorkshire in the English County Championship and the Washington Freedom in MLC, he has returned to the national squad for the March 2026 T20I series against South Africa. Now 28 years old, Sears is viewed as a critical component of New Zealand’s long-term planning, offering the genuine heat required to unsettle the world’s best batters on any surface.