Lauren Down replaces Bella James for Sri Lanka ODIs

Auckland: Bella James has been sidelined for New Zealand women’s ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a grade-two quadricep strain in her right leg. Her rehabilitation is expected to take three to six weeks.

Lauren Down has been called up to replace James in the ODI squad while the call on latter’s availability for T20I series will be taken based on her rehabilitation.

James suffered the injury during Otago’s game against Central Districts in Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand’s women’s one-day competition. She made her ODI debut against Australia in Wellington last year and scored 51 runs in two games.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said he hoped James would be fit for the Sri Lanka T20Is. “We’re all gutted for Bella. She had a strong start to her international cricket career in December, so it’s a shame she doesn’t get the opportunity to back that up this series. But we’re hopeful she’ll be tracking to return for the T20s,” said Sawyer. IANS

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