The untimely injury to wicketkeeper-batter Bella James has hampered New Zealand’s preparations for the forthcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. Due to a grade-two quadricep strain on her right leg, which is expected to require three to six weeks of rehabilitation, the 26-year-old has been ruled out. James’s involvement in the upcoming T20I series is still up in the air, but Lauren Down has been appointed as her replacement.
Bella James suffered the injury while representing Otago versus Central Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand’s top women’s one-day championship. Bella James scored 51 runs in two games during her ODI debut against Australia in Wellington last year. Ben Sawyer, the head coach, talked candidly about losing James for the ODI series.
Lauren Down was promptly selected by the White Ferns to succeed Bella James.
“We all feel terrible about Bella. It’s unfortunate that she won’t have the chance to build on her impressive December start to her international cricket career in this series. However, we’re optimistic that she’ll be on pace to make a comeback for the T20s. Sawyer said in a statement that the three-match T20I series would take place between March 14 and March 18.
Lauren contributes a wealth of experience to the team: Ben Sawyer
The 29-year-old has played for New Zealand in 35 One-Day Internationals. She has been playing well in the home circuit and was a member of the team during the Australia series. With 280 runs in 10 games at an average of 31.11, Down is now Auckland’s third-highest run scorer in the ongoing Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
“Lauren contributes a wealth of expertise to the team. We’re happy she’ll have the chance to carry that form into this series, as she’s been a vital member of the [Auckland] Hearts this season,” the head coach continued.
On March 4, the ODI series will kick off in Nelson, with matches to follow in Napier. The dates of the three-match T20I series are set for March 14–18.
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