New Zealand ODI player Bella James has been forced to miss the impending home ODI three-match series against Sri Lanka. This means three to six weeks of serious rehab, very unlikely to see the field any time soon from injury. With Lauren Down now named as her replacement in the squad in Down’s absence. Whether T20I series follows or not, the availability of James depends on how quickly she gets better. The playing XI will be informed after the team management has a look at her rehab and tune up.

Injury Setback For Bella James Ahead Of Sri Lanka ODIs

In New Zealand women’s one-day premier match of the year in Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. A grade-two injury sustained by Bella James, who has performed well with 51 runs in two ODI’s so far. Head coach Ben Sawyer was disappointed by her non-arrival, told, “It just kills us all Bella. 2019 was a fine start to international cricket for her in December, a real shame that she does not get the chance to follow that up this series. Nonetheless, we expect she’ll start tracking back for the T20s.” The biennial three-match ODI series will start at Nelson on March 4 with two more games in Napier prior to three T20Is from March 14 to March 18.

Lauren Down Joins Squad As An Experienced Replacement

In James’ absence, Lauren Down has been added to the squad to play in the game. Down is an experienced addition to the team currently scoring all over for Auckland. Having already made 35 ODIs, she has been with New Zealand to play recently against Australia. Coach Sawyer highlighted her experience saying, “Lauren has a lot of experience in the group”. We are pleased she’ll get the chance to bring this season’s form into this series, where she’s been crucial for Hearts Hearts. Any New Zealand batting lineup is only going to get stronger with her in the mix as they gear up to play Sri Lanka at home.