Lea Tahuhu, Claudia Green Roped Into NZ Squad For Commonwealth Games

Lea Tahuhu and Claudia Green have been selected as the respective replacements for Lauren Down and Jess Kerr of New Zealand, who have been ruled out of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Kerr’s foot ailment prevented him from healing in time to compete in the Games, while Down cited the need for time away from the game.

Lauren Down and Jess Kerr of New Zealand will not compete in the 2022 Games. Down has left the team to “prioritize her well-being,” according to an NZC press release, while Kerr’s foot injury, sustained during the Women’s World Cup 2022 match against Pakistan, requires further recovery time before she can play again. Before New Zealand’s September trip to the West Indies, Kerr is poised to make a return.

Before suffering a fractured thumb that prevented her from competing in the World Cup, Down had established herself during the bilateral series against India at home in February. She joins Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr from last season as the third New Zealand athlete to take a mental-health hiatus.

Lea Tahuhu offers genuine pace and bounce:

Despite a stiff hamstring, Tahuhu took ten wickets in the World Cup earlier this year, tying her for the most for New Zealand. Her exclusion from the 17-member contract terms list was important given the difference her speed can bring to the attack, but NZC later stated that a player can be chosen from outside the contracted group.

“Lea Tahuhu is a familiar face, so she will be capable of hitting the ground running at training camp next week,” Sawyer said. “We have previously stated that it is critical not to confuse contracting with selection, and this is a good example of why.”

“Lea Tahuhu provides genuine pace and bounces with the ball, and her bat ability provides us with options.”

Next week, New Zealand Women will hold a training camp in Lincoln before departing for England on July 12. They will compete in warm-up games ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will begin on Thursday (July 28) and last until Monday (August 8).

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