Bella James: Bella James ruled out of SL ODI Series: The New Zealand women’s cricket team is going to be seen in action once again. This time they have to host Sri Lanka at their home, where a series of 3 ODIs and 3 T20 matches is to be played between the two teams. The ODI series is to start from March 4, but before that there is bad news for New Zealand.
Bella James: Kiwi batsman Bella James has suffered an injury and due to this she has been ruled out of all the matches of the ODI series. James has suffered a grade two quadriceps strain in her right leg, due to which she will now need rest for a few weeks. For this reason, she will not be a part of the ODI series against Sri Lanka but can be seen playing in T20 matches.
Bella James injured during Shield game
According to the information provided by New Zealand Cricket, James suffered an injury during a Halliburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield match last weekend and is expected to need three to six weeks for rehab. Her rehab will be assessed and a decision on her fitness for the Sri Lanka T20 series will be taken in due course.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer reacted to Bella James’ exclusion, saying:
“We are all sad for Bella, she had a strong start to her international cricket career in December, so it is a pity that she did not have the opportunity to support her in this series. But we hope she will move towards returning for T20.”
Lauren Down included in New Zealand squad
New Zealand have included experienced Lauren Down as a replacement after Bella James was ruled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Down has performed well recently and is Auckland Hearts’ third-highest run-scorer in the HBJ Shield.
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
New Zealand’s ODI squad will assemble in Napier on Sunday ahead of their first Chemist Warehouse ODI at McLean Park on Tuesday 4 March. Suzie Bates will be seen leading New Zealand in the series.
