White Ferns batter Lauren Down has been ruled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka with a back injury and will be replaced by Canterbury Magicians Izzy Sharp.
Down sustained the injury on the morning of the first game in Napier on Tuesday and has not recovered in time to play a part in the remaining two matches, scheduled for Saxton Oval in Nelson this Friday and Sunday.
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Sharp was originally selected for the upcoming T20I series only, but the uncapped 20-year-old will now join the ODI squad in Nelson.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer said the team was feeling for Down.
“We’re all really disappointed for Lauren to be ruled out of the series,” he said.
“Unfortunately injuries are part of the game we wish her a speedy recovery.
“It does provide an exciting opportunity for Izzy to join the group in Nelson for these last two matches and we’re looking forward to welcoming her," said Sawyer.
He also confirmed that Otago Sparks pace-bowler Emma Black would join the squad on Saturday as cover for Hannah Rowe who will miss the final game of the series to be the maid of honour at the wedding of her Central Hinds teammate Mikaela Greig.
Auckland bowler Molly Penfoldhad earlier been ruled out with injury.
White Ferns ODI Squad:
Suzie Bates (c) - Otago Sparks
Eden Carson - Otago Sparks
Izzy Gaze – Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green - Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday - Auckland Hearts
Bree Illing - Auckland Hearts
Polly Inglis - Otago Sparks
Fran Jonas – Auckland Hearts
Jess Kerr - Wellington Blaze
Emma McLeod - Central Hinds
Georgia Plimmer - Wellington Blaze
Hannah Rowe - Central Hinds
Izzy Sharp* - Canterbury Magicians
Emma Black* – Otago Sparks (game 3 only)
*uncapped