New Zealand Batter Lauren Down Withdraws from SL ODIs Due to Injury; Izzy Sharp Steps In
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Synopsis
New Zealand's Lauren Down is out of the women's ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a back injury. Izzy Sharp, aged 20, has been named as her replacement. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment for Down while welcoming Sharp to the squad. Additional changes include Emma Black joining as cover for another injured player.
Key Takeaways
- Lauren Down out due to back injury.
- Izzy Sharp replaces her in the squad.
- Head coach Ben Sawyer expresses team’s disappointment.
- Emma Black joins the squad for the final match.
- Suzie Bates leads in Sophie Devine's absence.
Nelson, March 6 (NationPress) New Zealand batter Lauren Down has been ruled out of the women's ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a back injury, with 20-year-old Izzy Sharp taking her place in the squad.
Down sustained the injury on the morning of the first match in Napier on Tuesday and has not been able to recover in time for the remaining two games, which are set to take place at Saxton Oval in Nelson this Friday and Sunday.
Sharp, who was initially named for the upcoming T20I series, will now be joining the ODI team in Nelson on Thursday.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment for Down, stating, "We’re all really saddened that Lauren cannot participate in the series. Injuries are a part of sports, and we wish her a quick recovery."
“This gives a thrilling chance for Izzy to come into the squad in Nelson for these final two matches, and we eagerly await her arrival," Sawyer added.
Additionally, Sawyer confirmed that pace bowler Emma Black would join the team on Saturday as a replacement for Hannah Rowe, who will miss the last match to be the maid of honor at the wedding of her Central Hinds teammate Mikaela Greig.
The New Zealand team is also without Sophie Devine, who is on a break for her mental well-being, and Amelia Kerr, who is absent due to her commitments with the Mumbai Indians in the WPL.
Injuries have kept Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, and Molly Penfold out of the ODIs. With Devine unavailable, Suzie Bates is leading the squad.
New Zealand Women's ODI Squad
Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp, Emma Black (game 3 only)
