WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine will miss today’s third Life Direct T20I against Pakistan in Queenstown, after receiving a Cortisone injection in her knee.
Devine’s been managing pain in her right knee during the opening two games of the series and a decision was made to undergo the medical procedure with a view to her playing a full part in the three-game Dulux ODI series, which starts on Tuesday in Queenstown.
Head coach Ben Sawyer confirmed 23-year-old Melie Kerr would captain the WHITE FERNS for the first time.
Kerr has earned 131 International caps since her 2016 debut and has captained the Wellington Blaze in the Dream11 Super Smash.
Sawyer was confident Kerr was ready to captain her country.
“Melie’s a natural leader who’s been a senior player in our group for a while now,” he said.
“She’s a well-respected teammate and has a good cricket brain - so I’m really looking forward to watching her lead the side.”
Sawyer expected Devine would be fit to play the Dulux One-Day series against Pakistan.
“It’s never easy missing an international, but the decision was made very much with the ODI series in mind.
“Soph needs a period of rest following the Cortisone to allow the injection to take full effect.”
Izzy Gaze has been retained in the squad following her inclusion as cover for the opening game.
The third Life Direct T20I begins at 1pm at Sir John Davies Oval in Queenstown.
The match will be broadcast live and free-to-air on TVNZ 1 and SENZ.
WHITE FERNS v Pakistan
Sat 9 December – 3rd Life Direct T20I, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown
Tue 12 December – 1st Dulux ODI, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown
Fri 15 December – 2nd Dulux ODI, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Mon 18 December – 3rd Dulux ODI, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
