Injuries Sideline New Zealand's Gaze, Jensen, James for Sri Lanka T20I Series
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Synopsis
The New Zealand women's cricket team will be without Izzy Gaze, Hayley Jensen, and Bella James for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka due to injuries. Polly Inglis, Bree Illing, and Flora Devonshire have been called up as replacements.
Key Takeaways
- Izzy Gaze ruled out due to hip flexor injury.
- Hayley Jensen and Bella James also sidelined with injuries.
- Polly Inglis and Bree Illing to replace the injured players.
- Flora Devonshire receives her first call-up for the T20I series.
- The T20I series against Sri Lanka starts on March 14.
Auckland, March 11 (NationPress) The New Zealand women's cricket team faces a significant setback as injuries have led to the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze (hip flexor), pace bowler Hayley Jensen (hip flexor), and batter Bella James (quadricep) for the forthcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis and left-arm seamer Bree Illing, both of whom made their international debuts during the recent ODI series, will step in to replace Gaze and Jensen. Additionally, Flora Devonshire, a 22-year-old allrounder from Central Hinds and a former New Zealand A representative, will make her debut in place of James.
In her initial three international outings, Inglis has already claimed five catches behind the stumps and scored 43 runs over two innings, while Illing has taken four wickets, including twice dismissing Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Regular wicketkeeper Gaze, who participated as a batter only in the ODI series, sprained her left hip flexor while fielding in the third ODI against Sri Lanka. Her recovery timeline is currently under review.
The statement further noted that assessments indicated that the injuries sustained by both Jensen and James, which also kept them out of the ODI series, require extended rehabilitation before they can return to play.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment over the injuries, stating, "We’re all feeling for Izzy, Hayley, and Bella. It’s disheartening for both the team and the players, but I believe that these three possess the tenacity and resilience to recover."
He also praised Illing and Inglis for their readiness to step into T20I cricket, saying, "Bree and Polly made a very encouraging start to their ODI careers. They displayed great intent and execution, and I am confident they are prepared for this next challenge."
On Devonshire's selection, he remarked, "Flora has demonstrated considerable all-round potential at the domestic level and is another exciting young player with the qualities we seek in the White Ferns."
The T20I series is set to commence on March 14 in Christchurch, with the second match at the same location on March 16, and the series concluding in Dunedin with the final T20I on March 18.
