White Ferns opening batter Georgia Plimmer has been ruled out of cricket for the remainder of the year after sustaining a bone stress reaction in her groin.
The Wellington Blaze player experienced pain in her left hip joint during the recent ODI series in India last month, and a subsequent MRI scan and assessment by a specialist upon return to New Zealand confirmed the injury.
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The injury means Plimmer, the fifth-equal top run-scorer at the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, will be unavailable for the much anticipated in-bound Australia ODI series before Christmas as well as miss most of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and Super Smash domestic competitions.
The 20-year-old is expected to require six weeks of rest and rehabilitation, with a progressive return to high-speed running in January.
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer said he was feeling for Plimmer.
“We’re really gutted for this to happen to Georgia when she’s at the top of her game,” said Sawyer.
“She’s certainly a loss for us heading into an important series against Australia.
“After her recent success at the World Cup and in India it’s disappointing she won’t be able to continue that form for the Wellington Blaze and against Australia next month.
“Georgia’s determined to rehab well and get back as soon as she can and we’re wishing her a smooth recovery.”
The White Ferns play a three-match ODI series against Australia starting December 19 in Wellington, followed by matches against Sri Lanka.