New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Sears will miss the five-match ODI series against the West Indies as the management has opted to send him home for further treatment and recovery. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure after the pacer continued to experience discomfort in his ankle.

According to team officials, the injury issue has persisted since New Zealand’s four-day Test against Ireland in May. The problem resurfaced during the final day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, prompting medical staff to recommend rest and rehabilitation.

To cover for Sears’ absence, Auckland Aces pacer Ben Lister has been added to New Zealand’s 16-member squad. Lister made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Karachi in 2023 and is expected to join the squad in Guyana in the coming days.

The ODI series between New Zealand and the West Indies is scheduled to begin on July 12 in Guyana. The Black Caps will now look to adjust their bowling combination ahead of a challenging away assignment.

Meanwhile, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has delivered positive news regarding teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old winger has recovered from fitness concerns and is available for a full match if required during Spain’s Round of 32 fixture against Austria.

Speaking ahead of the knockout clash, De la Fuente said Yamal’s recovery process had been managed carefully and that the player is now feeling fully fit. The coach added that the Barcelona winger is eager to return to action and can play as many minutes as the team needs.

Yamal had featured sparingly during the group stage, playing only 141 minutes across three matches and scoring once. Spain’s coaching staff had deliberately managed his workload after the youngster recovered from a hamstring injury suffered earlier this year.

His return comes as a significant boost for Spain, with the team entering the knockout phase of the tournament and looking to strengthen its attacking options.

In Wimbledon, Serena Williams' comeback campaign has encountered a minor setback after the 44-year-old suffered a knee injury during her women’s singles appearance. However, there remains optimism that the American tennis legend will still compete in the doubles event alongside her sister Venus Williams.

Serena confirmed the injury through a social media post but maintained a positive outlook. She expressed gratitude for receiving a wildcard entry and said returning to Wimbledon after several years had been a special experience.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion also reflected on the significance of competing in front of her daughters, saying it was important for them to see that pursuing a dream has no age limit.

Her agent, Jill Smoller, said Serena was able to leave the court without assistance after the match, suggesting the injury is not considered serious. The team remains hopeful that she will be fit enough to take part in the women’s doubles competition.

As major sporting events continue across cricket, football and tennis, teams and athletes are closely managing fitness concerns, with several key names racing against time to remain available for crucial fixtures in the coming days.