Courtesy: NZC
New Zealand’s Bella James recently picked up an injury during a Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) shield game last weekend and will miss out on New Zealand women’s upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. Bella James has suffered a grade-two quadricep strain in her right leg and is expected to be out for an approximate period of three-to-six weeks. The team will assess her condition and then decide on her availability for the later T20 matches in the Sri Lanka series depending upon her fitness.
The 29-year old right-hand batter Lauren Down, who has played 35 ODIs and 13 T20Is for the New Zealand women’s team has been named as the replacement for James in the upcoming series. Bella James who made her international debut for New Zealand last year will surely see this as a missed opportunity.
We’re all gutted for Bella: New Zealand women’s team coach Ben Sawyer
Bella James made her debut for the New Zealand women’s team in the December of 2024 and has since played two ODI matches for the White Ferns. She was part of the squad for the matches against the Australian women’s team and played two out of the three ODI fixtures. Although the New Zealand women’s team ended up losing both these games, it was a good way for James to establish herself in the team.
New Zealand women’s team head coach Ben Sawyer is hopeful that Bella James will return to the time for the T20I fixtures against Sri Lanka. He said, "We’re all gutted for Bella. She had a strong start to her international career in December so it’s a shame she doesn’t get the opportunity to back that up this series. But we’re hopeful that she’ll be tracking to return for the T20s." The first ODI between Sri Lanka women and New Zealand women will be played at Napier on March 4, 2025.
