NEWS
Follow UsNew Zealand Women opener Georgia Plimmer and fast bowler Lea Tahuhu have been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia Women, starting on December 19, due to respective injuries.
Meanwhile, Otago Sparks top-order batter Bella James has received a maiden call-up to the White Ferns’ ODI set-up. The 25-year-old, who has represented the Otago Sparks 137 times since 2014, has been rewarded following strong domestic form.
The right-handed opener currently sits second on the Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield run-scoring charts with 293 runs after five games.
Plimmer is out with a bone stress reaction in her left hip and won’t return to cricket until next year. On the other hand, Tahuhu sustained a grade two hamstring tear during Round 2 of the HBJ Shield.
Right-arm seamer Rosemary Mair returns to the ODI squad for the first time since 2022, following her withdrawal from the squad that faced England last summer due to a back injury.
"We're really excited to give Bella her first call-up to international cricket. She's been working hard at the domestic level for many years, and her current form in HBJ shows why she deserves this opportunity. Bella's ability to hit 360 degrees around the ground with power is a valuable quality,” said chief selector Sarah Tsukigawa.
"We're gutted to not have Georgia or Lea for this series but injuries do create opportunities to explore how other players could fit in.”
The three ODIs will be played in Wellington and will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
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