Due to a fractured toe sustained while batting in the nets last week, fast bowler Jess Kerr has been sidelined for New Zealand’s forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Following scans that confirmed the fracture, it has been determined that Kerr will require a rehabilitation period of up to six weeks. Consequently, Leigh Kasperek has been chosen as Kerr’s substitute for the tour.
“Picking up an injury so close to departure for a tour is always disappointing,” New Zealand women’s team head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Jess is a key part of our bowling group in both formats and will be missed on what will be a challenging tour.
“Jess has been working really hard over the winter and we were excited to see how she would perform in new conditions for her, but we’re confident she will be back fit and ready for our next challenge after Sri Lanka,” Sawyer added.
Due to a fractured toe sustained while batting in the nets last week, fast bowler Jess Kerr has been sidelined for New Zealand’s forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Following scans that confirmed the fracture, it has been determined that Kerr will require a rehabilitation period of up to six weeks. Consequently, Leigh Kasperek has been chosen as Kerr’s substitute for the tour.
“Leigh has had a challenging 18 months since the World Cup but has always been a player that has been on our radar,” Sawyer said. “She’s been kept out of the side given the form of Fran (Jonas) and Eden (Carson) who’ve been performing consistently well and those spin positions have probably been the most hotly contested in our team.”
“With Leigh, Fran, Eden and Melie (Kerr), we have strong depth in our spin bowling stocks, and ultimately that’s the level of depth we want to get to in all positions. Leigh brings a wealth of international experience to the group and I’m sure she will thrive in the Sri Lankan conditions if given an opportunity,” Sawyer added.
The New Zealand women’s cricket team is presently training at the NZC High Performance Centre in Lincoln, and will depart for Sri Lanka on Thursday.
