Is Flora Devonshire Out of the New Zealand Squad for the Women's World Cup Due to Injury?
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Synopsis
New Zealand's Women's World Cup campaign faces a significant challenge as Flora Devonshire is ruled out due to a hand injury. Her replacement, Hannah Rowe, aims to bring experience to the team. Will this change affect their performance against South Africa? Read on to find out how this impacts the White Ferns' journey.
Key Takeaways
- Flora Devonshire is ruled out of the Women's World Cup due to a hand injury.
- Hannah Rowe replaces Devonshire, bringing experience to the squad.
- The injury poses a challenge for New Zealand as they prepare for their next match.
- New Zealand started their campaign with a loss to Australia.
- Team dynamics may be affected by Devonshire's absence.
Guwahati, Oct 4 (NationPress) New Zealand faces an early hurdle in their Women’s World Cup journey as Flora Devonshire, the left-arm off-spinning allrounder, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hand injury.
Devonshire, who received her first World Cup selection, incurred a laceration to her left hand while fielding during a training session, and she is anticipated to be unavailable for two to three weeks.
In response, Hannah Rowe, a right-arm pace-bowling allrounder, has been called up to the squad. Rowe, an experienced cricketer with 60 ODI caps, will be participating in her third one-day World Cup, adding significant experience to the White Ferns.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment over Devonshire's early exit from the tournament. “We’re all feeling for Flora,” he stated. “She put in a lot of effort to secure her place in the squad, and it’s unfortunate that her tournament has come to an early end.”
However, Sawyer highlighted that Rowe's inclusion would enhance the team's depth and experience. “We’re glad to bring in a senior player like Hannah Rowe,” he mentioned. “While she isn't a direct replacement for Flora, she brings a diverse skill set and has valuable experience in sub-continent conditions.”
Rowe is expected to join the squad on October 7 in Indore before heading to Guwahati for the subsequent segment of the tournament.
This injury occurs at a pivotal moment for the White Ferns, who are preparing to face South Africa in their second ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match on October 6. Devonshire’s absence will pose a challenge for New Zealand’s balance, as the 24-year-old was viewed as a promising asset with both bat and ball in spin-friendly conditions.
The side, led by Sophie Devine, began their campaign with a loss against the defending champions, Australia, on Wednesday. Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux's combined three-wicket haul overshadowed the Kiwi captain's run-a-ball 112, as the Alyssa Healy-led team commenced their title defense with an 89-run victory.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by the New Zealand team early in the Women’s World Cup. The loss of a key player like Flora Devonshire not only affects team dynamics but also raises questions about their resilience and adaptability. The inclusion of an experienced player like Hannah Rowe may help stabilize the team, but the situation demands close monitoring as the tournament progresses.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Flora Devonshire?
Flora Devonshire suffered a hand injury during training, leading to her being ruled out of the Women's World Cup.
Who is replacing Flora Devonshire?
Hannah Rowe has been called up to replace Flora Devonshire in the New Zealand squad.
When is New Zealand's next match?
New Zealand is set to face South Africa in their second ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match on October 6.
How many ODI caps does Hannah Rowe have?
Hannah Rowe has 60 ODI caps and will be participating in her third one-day World Cup.
What was New Zealand's performance in their opening match?
New Zealand lost their opening match against Australia, with an 89-run defeat.
