The wicket-keeper Bella James has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series in the Sri Lanka women’s tour of New Zealand 2025 with Laura Down named as a replacement.
She is expected to require between three and six weeks of rehabilitation. James sustained the injury during Otago’s game against Central Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand’s women’s one-day competition.
The news comes after Sophie Devine pulled out of the Sri Lanka series. James made her ODI debut against Australia in Wellington last year and scored 51 runs in two games.
New Zealand women are set to play the three-match ODI series and as much as the T20I series in Sri Lanka starting next week.
The head coach Ben Sawyer was disappointed that she won’t be able to build on that ‘strong start’ against Sri Lanka.
Otago Sparks batter Bella James has been ruled out of the Chemist Warehouse ODI series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a grade two quadricep strain in her right leg. Read more⬇️ https://t.co/yGIy0ytnXh #NZvSL #CricketNation
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) February 27, 2025
“We’re all gutted for Bella,” Sawyer said. “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.”
Lauren Down is currently Auckland’s third highest scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone shield with 280 runs in 10 games at an average of 31.11. She has played 35 ODIs, which Ben Sawyer said made her a ‘strong replacement.’
“Lauren brings plenty of experience to the group,” Sawyer said. “She’s been a key contributor for the [Auckland] Hearts this season and we’re pleased she’ll get the opportunity to take that form into this series.”
The three match ODI series will begin on March 04 in McLean Park, Napier before moving to Nelson for the next two games and will be followed by three T20Is from March 14 to March 18.
