Fran Jonas Steps in for Hayley Jensen in NZ Squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
Click to start listening
Synopsis
New Zealand's Hayley Jensen is out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a hip flexor injury, with Fran Jonas stepping in as her replacement. The team faces challenges with multiple player absences as they prepare for their matches in Napier and Nelson.
Key Takeaways
- Hayley Jensen ruled out due to injury
- Fran Jonas joins the ODI squad
- New Zealand without key players
- First ODI on March 4 at McLean Park
- Suzie Bates to lead in Devine's absence
Auckland, March 2 (NationPress) New Zealand pacer Hayley Jensen is set to miss the women's ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a hip flexor injury sustained during warm-ups before the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final on Saturday. Fran Jonas has been called up to fill her spot in the ODI squad.
New Zealand Cricket stated, "Hayley's rehabilitation progress will be closely observed and a decision regarding her availability for the T20I series will be made in due time."
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer mentioned, "Jensen will undergo a reassessment prior to the T20I series. We hope she can return, but her recovery will depend on the physios' assessments. Jonas will arrive tonight and join the team tomorrow morning."
Jensen was expected to make her return to the national team after a two-year hiatus, but now her participation has been hampered. She is the second player from Otago to be ruled out of the ODIs against Sri Lanka, following Bella James, who also suffered a hamstring injury during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, with Lauren Down stepping in for her.
Additionally, New Zealand will be without Sophie Devine, who is taking a break for her well-being, and Amelia Kerr will miss the series due to her commitments with Mumbai Indians in the WPL. Injuries have also sidelined Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, and Molly Penfold from the ODIs. In Devine's absence, Suzie Bates will take on the captaincy.
The New Zealand ODI squad gathered in Napier on Sunday in preparation for their first ODI at McLean Park on March 4, followed by matches in Nelson on March 7 and 9.
New Zealand aims to break a three-match ODI losing streak, while Sri Lanka seeks to recover from a 2-1 ODI series defeat to Ireland in Belfast.
ab/bc
