If you are a New Zealand fan, this may not be the kind of news that you want to hear after recently suffering a defeat. New Zealand’s veteran bowler Lea Tahuhu has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series and to add salt to the wounds, is in doubt for the T20I series as well.
Tahuhu, who bowled 6 overs and ended up with figures of 1-38, was helped off the ground during the opening match on Tuesday. The extent of her injuries is yet to be ascertained and in order to determine that, she will undergo an MRI this week. Gabby Sullivan, the uncapped Canterbury seamer, is Tahuhu’s replacement in the squad.
New Zealand pace bowler Lea Tahuhu has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against England with a hamstring injury and is in doubt for the T20Is that follow.
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New Zealand coach Bob Carter expressed his disappointment: “It’s unfortunate news for Lea and a big loss for the team. We wish her the best of luck with her recovery and know she’ll be doing everything to get back on the park as soon as possible. The flipside of this is a great opportunity for Gabby who’s been impressive for Canterbury and deserves the call-up.”
Injuries are a part and parcel of any sportsperson and if you are a fast bowler, you are prone to injuries more than anyone else and Lea Tahuhu is no exception. It is the second significant injury she has suffered this season after the side strain she picked up during the Women’s Big Bash League in October last year which led to her missing quite a few matches for the Melbourne Renegades.
New Zealand though will be hoping for other key players to step up in Tahuhu’s absence to ensure that her injury doesn’t affect their game as they need to win the next match to level the series failing which they stand to lose a home series.
In the opener of the 3 match ODI series, England put up quite an impressive show with both bat and ball and beat New Zealand by 8 wickets. Tammy Beaumont (71) and Heather Knight (67) stood tall for England whereas New Zealand’s Brooke Halliday scored a brisk half-century on debut (50) before being run out in her attempt to farm the strike.
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