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Find your SN frequency hereWhite Ferns top wicket-taker Lea Tahuhu ruled out of Rose Bowl series
Sport Nation • December 15th, 2024 6:57 am
Photo: Chris Symes/Photosport
The White Ferns will be without their top ODI wicket-taker for this month's ODI series against Australia, after the fast bowler sustained a grade two hamstring tear while playing for the Canterbury Magicians in the Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield.
The 34-year-old is expected to return to play by early January for New Zealand's domestic Super Smash competition.
Coming back from injury is Central Hinds pace bowler Rosemary Mair, following her withdrawal from last summer's tour of England to recover from a back injury - the three-match Rose Bowl series will be her first ODIs since 2022.
Mair did compete in the recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup, where NZ defeated South Africa to be crowned World Champions in the 20-over format, finishing up as the side's second-best wicket-taker of the tournament. However, the Hawke's Bay native sat out the following ODI tour of India to continue her required recovery to return to 50-over cricket.
Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Otago Sparks top-order batter Bella James has also been named in the 13-strong squad as a replacement for Georgia Plimmer, who has a bone stress reaction in her left hip and is unavailable for selection until sometime next year.
James's maiden call up comes after she has represented Otago 137 times since 2014, with White Ferns selector Sarah Tsukigawa recognising the 25-year-old's domestic form. After five games in the HBJ Shield this season, the right-hand opener is the second-best run-scorer of the competition with 293 runs.
“We’re really excited to give Bella her first call-up to international cricket,” Tsukigawa said.
“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.”
Recently reappointed as White Ferns head coach, Ben Sawyer will be joined by his regular assistant coaches Craig McMillan and Dean Brownlie.
White Ferns ODI squad to play Australia: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold.
White Ferns v Australia ODI Series Schedule
1st ODI: Thursday 19 December, from 11am at Basin Reserve (free entry)
2nd ODI: Saturday 21 December, from 11am at Basin Reserve
3rd ODI: Monday 23 December, from 11am at Basin Reserve
2nd ODI: Saturday 21 December, from 11am at Basin Reserve
3rd ODI: Monday 23 December, from 11am at Basin Reserve
Sport Nation has live ball-by-ball commentary of the White Ferns v Australia series, available on the Sport Nation app and all NZ frequencies.
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