White Ferns Bella James plays a shot Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Another setback for the White Ferns with opening batter Bella James ruled out of next month's ODI series with Sri Lanka.
The Ferns lost pace bowler Molly Penfold to injury earlier this month, while two of the side's most experienced players, Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, were unavailable.
Devine has taken an extended break to focus on her well-being, while Kerr is playing in the Women's Premier League in India.
James sustained a grade two quadricep strain in her right leg playing for Otago in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield game last weekend.
She is expected to require between three-to-six weeks of rehabilitation.
She will be assessed during the ODI series with a possibility that she may be able to play in the following T20 games against Sri Lanka.
Auckland's Lauren Down replaces James in the ODI squad.
James' absence has been offset somewhat by the return of Georgia Plimmer who had been out of action since their T20 World Cup and India tour in October last year with a hip problem.
Auckland Hearts Lauren Down. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Head coach Ben Sawyer is hoping James will be fit for the Sri Lanka T20Is.
"She had a strong start to her international cricket career in December so it's a shame she doesn't get the opportunity to back that up this series.
"But we're hopeful she'll be tracking to return for the T20s".
The Sri Lanka ODI and T20 series' is followed by three T20's against Australia.
The opening ODI against Sri Lanka is in Napier on 4 March.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
