Wellington, February 20 (HS): New Zealand fast bowler Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury. This means that she will not be able to participate in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Australia.
Penfold, 23, suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this month and underwent surgery. Her recovery is expected to take about 12 weeks.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s unfortunate for Molly, especially after her impressive performance in the Rose Bowl series. However, the positive is that she can be fit until the winter training program.”
Penfold has so far taken 9 wickets in 14 ODIs and 7 wickets in 10 T20Is. In December last year against Australia at Basin Reserve, he took 4 for 42, which was his career best.
New Zealand will also have to go without their star player Sophie Devine against Sri Lanka. Devine has taken a break from the game and his availability against Australia is yet to be confirmed.
New Zealand will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka next month, after which they will take part in three T20Is against Australia.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu will soon leave the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to join her national team. However, New Zealand’s star all-rounder Amelia Kerr will remain in India.
Hindusthan Samachar
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