Bella James will miss New Zealand’s ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a grade-two quadriceps strain in her right leg. The injury requires a rehabilitation period of three to six weeks. Lauren Down has been chosen as her replacement.
The decision regarding James’ participation in the T20I series following the ODIs will depend on her recovery progress.
James sustained the injury playing for Otago against Central Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand’s domestic women’s one-day competition. She debuted in ODIs against Australia in Wellington last year, scoring 51 runs in two matches. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment that James would miss the opportunity to build on her promising start against Sri Lanka.
‘We are all very disappointed for Bella,’ Sawyer stated. ‘She showed great potential at the beginning of her international career in December, and it’s unfortunate she won’t be able to continue that momentum in this series. However, we are optimistic that she will recover in time for the T20 series.’ The three T20Is are scheduled from March 14 to March 18.
Lauren Down, currently Auckland’s third-highest scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield with 280 runs in ten games at an average of 31.11, will join the squad. Down, who has 35 WODI appearances and was part of the Australia series, is considered a ‘strong replacement’ by Sawyer.
‘Lauren brings significant experience to the team,’ Sawyer commented. ‘She has been a key performer for the Auckland Hearts this season, and we are excited for her to bring that form into this series.’
The three-match ODI series is set to commence on March 4 in Nelson and then move to Napier for the subsequent two matches.
