ICC Women's World Cup 2022: New Zealand Batter Lauren Down Ruled Out Of The Tournament
Updated - 26 Feb 2022, 10:45 AM
New Zealand batter Lauren Down has been ruled out of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 because of a thumb fracture, she sustained during the ODI series against India women.
The 28-year-old happened to injure her right thumb while attempting a catch against India in the final ODI match on February 24. The Auckland batter will return to her home to recover and will look for medical aid.
Lauren Down ruled out of ICC Women’s World Cup 2022
Down played three ODI matches and the one-off T20I fixture against India ahead of the World Cup. She remained unbeaten on 64 as the White Ferns chased their highest score of 281, and won by three wickets in the third ODI in Queenstown.
The entire squad is absolutely gutted for Lauren Down: Bob Carter
New Zealand women team head coach Bob Carter said the team was left in shock after receiving Lauren’s injury news and talked about her excellent fielding efforts.
“Quite simply, the entire squad is absolutely gutted for Lauren. She’s a very popular member of the group and it’s fair to say the team were quite emotional when we got the news she was out of the tournament,” Carter said on Friday (February 25).
“You saw the impact Lauren had in the recent series against India; she played some really mature innings’ in the middle order and her fielding was at an exceptional standard. We wish her all the best with her recovery and know she’ll be supporting us throughout the tournament,” he added.
Wellington Blaze batter Georgia Plimmer will replace Down in New Zealand women’s 15-member World Cup squad. Auckland player Molly Penfold, who has played a couple of ODI matches for the White Ferns, has been included in the squad as a travelling reserved player.
According to New Zealand Cricket, both Plimmer and Penfold will be isolated for five days before they join the squad. Hosts New Zealand will kick off the event as they take on Stafanie Taylor-led West Indies on March 4 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
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ICC Women's World Cup 2022 New Zealand Women Cricket Team
