Ben Sears, a rising star in New Zealand cricket, is a right-arm medium-fast bowler known for his express pace and sharp bounce. Since debuting in 2021, he has impressed in all formats, including a standout Test debut against Australia in 2024. Sears continues to shine for Wellington Firebirds and the national team.
Stay tuned with us as we delve deeper into the journey of Ben Sears, uncovering his achievements, playing style, and future potential!
Who is Ben Sears?
Ben Sears is a professional cricketer from New Zealand known for his incredible speed, sharp bounce, and consistent performances in international and domestic cricket.
Born in Lower Hutt, Wellington, Ben has become a key player for both the Wellington Firebirds and the New Zealand national team. As of 2025, he continues to impress with his right-arm medium-fast bowling and his rapid rise through the cricketing ranks.
Early Life and Background
Ben Sears was born on February 11, 1998, in Lower Hutt, Wellington. From a young age, Ben showed promise as an athlete. He attended Hutt International Boys’ School (HIBS), where he first gained attention for his raw pace and ability to generate bounce. His early performances quickly earned him recognition within the New Zealand cricketing community.
Ben comes from a cricketing family. His father, Michael Sears, played first-class cricket for Wellington in the early 1990s. Ben’s uncle, Darren Sears, also played representative cricket at a lower level. This strong cricketing background played a significant role in shaping Ben’s career and passion for the sport.
Domestic Career
Ben Sears began his professional domestic career in 2018 with Wellington Firebirds, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in the country. Despite early injuries during age-group cricket, Sears worked hard on his fitness and technique to become one of the most feared bowlers in New Zealand’s domestic circuit.
In 2024, he helped Wellington secure the Plunket Shield, New Zealand’s premier four-day competition, contributing with consistent wickets and match-winning spells. His ability to maintain high speeds throughout long spells made him stand out from other bowlers. He also played for Otago during a short stint, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in different team environments.
International Career and Breakthrough
Ben made his international debut on September 3, 2021, in a T20I against Bangladesh. While his initial matches were a mix of promise and nerves, he quickly adapted to international pressure. By 2024, Ben had earned a central contract from New Zealand Cricket, a testament to his importance in the national setup.
He made his Test debut in 2024 against Australia in Christchurch, where he claimed five wickets in the match. Though slightly expensive, his pace and ability to move the ball impressed selectors and fans alike.
Most recently, on April 2, 2025, Ben played in an ODI against Pakistan, showing improvement in line and length, and making it clear that he is here to stay.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ben Sears is primarily a right-arm medium-fast bowler. However, the term “medium-fast” hardly does justice to the speed he generates. Regularly clocking over 140 kph (87 mph), Ben’s bowling style is characterized by:
- Express Pace: Comparable to fellow Kiwis Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne, Sears delivers fast, intimidating spells.
- Extra Bounce: His tall frame allows him to extract bounce on almost any surface.
- Skidding Deliveries: Many of his deliveries skid off the pitch, making it tough for batsmen to time the ball.
He is not known for his batting prowess but contributes valuable runs in the lower order when needed.
Education and Personal Development
Ben’s schooling at HIBS was where he first made headlines. According to Glenn Pocknall, former Wellington Firebirds coach, Ben was just 13 when he first saw him bowl. Pocknall instantly knew he was watching a future star. Under careful guidance and mentorship, Ben developed his bowling skills while maintaining academic discipline.
Off the field, Sears is known for his calm demeanor, dedication to training, and a sharp cricketing mind. He often talks about learning from senior players and values team dynamics.
Career Highlights and Statistics (as of April 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
| Test | 1 | 5 | 4/90 | 32.20 | 4.87 | 39.6 |
| ODI | 4 | 10 | 5/34 | 19.70 | 5.73 | 20.6 |
| T20I | 20 | 22 | – | 23.77 | 8.30 | 17.1 |
Additional Achievements:
- Central contract with New Zealand Cricket (2024).
- Plunket Shield champion with Wellington (2024).
- First New Zealander to take consecutive ODI five-wicket hauls (April 2025).
Off-the-Field Personality:
Known for his calm demeanor and dedication to improvement, Sears often credits his family and mentors for their support throughout his career. Outside cricket:
- He is pursuing a law degree.
- Enjoys fitness training and analyzing cricket strategies.
Teams Represented
- New Zealand National Team
- Wellington Firebirds
- Otago Cricket Team
- Yorkshire County Cricket Club
- New Zealand Under-19s
- Wellington U-17 and U-19
Ben’s stint with Yorkshire County Cricket Club also helped him gain experience in English conditions, rounding out his development as a complete fast bowler.
Personal Life
Ben keeps his personal life relatively private, but he often credits his family for being his backbone throughout his career. His father’s experience in first-class cricket has been a guiding force. When not playing, Ben enjoys fitness training, watching cricket analytics, and relaxing with teammates.
Recognition and Media Attention
Ben Sears has been covered by numerous cricket analysts as the “next big thing” in New Zealand fast bowling. With consistent performances, increasing match experience, and a growing fan base, he is set to become a household name in world cricket.
His aggressive bowling in T20 and ODIs makes him a favorite for international leagues in the future. Teams from Big Bash League (BBL) and IPL have reportedly shown interest.
Future Potential
At just 27, Ben Sears is entering the prime of his cricketing career. With proper management, continued fitness, and technical improvements, he could soon become a mainstay in all formats for New Zealand. Many see him as a successor to players like Trent Boult and Tim Southee, especially in leading the fast-bowling attack post-2025.
External Sources for Further Reading:
- Ben Sears Player Profile – ESPN Cricinfo
- New Zealand Cricket Official Website
- Wellington Firebirds Team Page
FAQs About Ben Sears
1. Who is Ben Sears in New Zealand cricket?
Ben Sears is a professional New Zealand cricketer known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling. He made his international debut in 2021 and has impressed in all three formats. His pace and bounce make him a standout bowler in the Kiwi lineup.
2. What makes Ben Sears different from other New Zealand bowlers?
Ben Sears regularly clocks over 140 kph and generates sharp bounce, making him a rare fast-bowling talent. He’s often compared to Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. His skiddy deliveries trouble even top-level batsmen.
3. Which teams has Ben Sears played for?
Ben Sears has played for the New Zealand national team, Wellington Firebirds, Otago, and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. He also represented New Zealand in Under-19 cricket. His experience spans both domestic and international cricket.
4. When did Ben Sears make his Test debut?
Ben Sears made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2024 against Australia in Christchurch. He took 5 wickets in that match, showcasing his talent on the big stage. Despite some expensive spells, he impressed selectors with his raw pace.
5. What is Ben Sears’ future in international cricket?
At 27, Ben Sears is just entering his prime and is expected to lead New Zealand’s pace attack in the coming years. With strong domestic and international performances, he’s already being seen as a successor to Trent Boult and Tim Southee. His consistent improvement signals a bright future.
Conclusion: Ben Sears – A Name to Watch in Global Cricket
Ben Sears is fast becoming a crucial figure in New Zealand’s cricket future. With raw pace, accuracy, and an ever-improving record, he is not just a domestic star but an emerging global talent. As he continues to grow, Ben Sears is set to leave a lasting impact on the international cricketing stage.
