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 is expected to need three to six weeks of rehabilitation. Lauren Down has been named as her replacement. A decision on James’ availability for the T20I series will depend on her recovery progress.
James sustained the injury while playing for Otago against Central Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. The 25-year-old made her ODI debut against Australia in Wellington last year, scoring 51 runs in two matches. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment over her absence, saying she had made a “strong start” to her international career.
“We’re all gutted for Bella,” Sawyer said. “She had a strong start in December, so it’s a shame she won’t get to build on that. But we’re hopeful she’ll be ready for the T20Is.”
The three-match ODI series starts on March 4 in Nelson, while the remaining games will be played in Napier. Subsequently, the series will be followed by three T20Is from March 14 to March 18.
Down, currently Auckland’s third-highest scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, has accumulated 280 runs in ten matches at an average of 31.11. The 29-year-old was part of the squad for the Australia series and has played 35 ODIs. Sawyer believes she is a strong replacement.
“Lauren brings plenty of experience,” Sawyer said. “Moreover, she’s been a key contributor for the [Auckland] Hearts this season, and we’re pleased that she’ll get the opportunity to carry that form into this series.”
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