A multi-format series between New Zealand women and Sri Lankan women is scheduled to commence in the latter half of June 2023. Following three ODI matches, each team will play three T20I contests. On Tuesday, June 27, the first ODI of the series will take place at the Galle International Stadium. New Zealand suffered a significant setback prior to the series when medium pacer Jess Kerr was injured while batting in the nets in preparation for the series. Jess Kerr was struck on the toe during training, and the resulting injury will sideline her for several weeks. In addition, she will require six weeks of rehabilitation.
The team announced off-spinner Leigh Kasperek as her replacement due to her injury. Noting that Kasperek’s last international appearance occurred in September 2021, it will be intriguing to see how the 31-year-old fits into the squad for the upcoming series.
Kasperek has been a standout performer for New Zealand whenever she has been given the opportunity; she is the team’s second-leading wicket-taker in T20Is, and bowling in spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka could do miracles for her. Leigh, who is presently in Scotland, will travel to Sri Lanka to join the national team.
An injury sustained so close to a tour’s departure is always disappointing. Ben Sawyer
In addition, White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer commented on the nature of the injury, stating that Jess had been working extremely hard throughout the summer and that sustaining an injury prior to a series is always regrettable.
“Picking up an injury so close to a tour’s departure is always disheartening, and Jess Kerr has worked incredibly hard all winter.
ESPN cricinfo quoted Ben Sawyer as saying, “We were eager to see how she would perform in unfamiliar conditions, but we are confident she will be fit and ready for our next challenge after Sri Lanka.”
“Leigh has had a difficult 18 months since the World Cup, but she’s always been on our radar; she’s been kept out of the side due to the form of Fran Jonas and Eden Carson, who have been performing consistently well, and those spin positions have been the most hotly contested in our team,” he added.
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