New Zealand’s left-handed middle-order batter Brooke Halliday has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs of the five-match series against India.
The fourth ODI and the fifth ODI will be played on February 22 and February 24 respectively at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown. She featured in the one-off T20I against India and scored an unbeaten seven. She was also a part of the playing XI for the first and second ODIs against the same opposition, mustering six and 13 runs respectively.
New Zealand Cricket, in a statement, said that Brooke Halliday has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against India. The NZ Cricket added that Halliday had dined outdoors in Queenstown with her partner, who later tested positive for COVID-19. It is known that both Halliday and her partner had followed the government rules and protocols related to COVID-19.
The southpaw was required to isolate herself in her hotel room for seven days and return a negative test on Monday. She will be tested again, after five days, and if she returns a negative test, she will be allowed to join the team on Friday.
White Ferns’ coach Bob Carter said, “It was obviously a frustrating time for Brooke. But she’s remaining upbeat, and as a team we’re supporting her and checking in on her by phone. Of course, we’re looking forward to her re-joining the team once she’s met the appropriate protocols.”
Apart from Halliday, three other players will not be available for the fourth ODI against India on February 22. New Zealand’s pace ace Lea Tahuhu, who left the field during the third ODI due to hamstring soreness, while batter Maddy Green and young spinner Fran Jonas both sustained lacerations to their right hands. Green and Jonas will be monitored over the coming days. If required, Tahuhu will be available as a substitute fielder for the fourth ODI on Tuesday. Coach Carter added, “We didn’t want to risk Lea bowling in ODI four, especially with a World Cup just around the corner.”
New Zealand have taken an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the five-match ODI series against India.
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