Bella James has been ruled out of New Zealand’s home ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a grade-two quadriceps strain in her right leg. She’ll need about three to six weeks of rehab, and Lauren Down has been named as her replacement. Her availability for the T20I series that follows will depend on her recovery progress.
James picked up the injury while playing for Otago against Central Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand’s domestic one-day competition. She made her ODI debut against Australia in Wellington last year, scoring 51 runs across two matches.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment over James missing the series, saying the team was “gutted” for her.
“She had a strong start to her international career in December, so it’s a shame she won’t get the chance to build on that this series,” Sawyer said. “But we’re hopeful she’ll be back in time for the T20s.”
Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf Return to Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy.
The three-match ODI series kicks off on March 4 in Nelson, followed by two games in Napier. The teams will then face off in three T20Is from March 14 to March 18.
Down, who has been in solid form for Auckland, is currently the team’s third-highest run-scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, with 280 runs in ten matches at an average of 31.11. The 29-year-old, who was also part of the Australia series, has played 35 ODIs, and Sawyer believes she’s a great fit for the squad.
“Lauren brings plenty of experience to the group,” he said. “She’s been a key contributor for the [Auckland] Hearts this season, and we’re pleased she’ll get the opportunity to carry that form into this series.”
