New Zealand Women all-rounder Amelia Kerr will miss the remaining ODI matches against India, after tearing her left quadricep muscle during the series opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As New Zealand Women were bowled out for 168 in 40.4 overs while chasing 227, Amelia Kerr sustained the injury during her 4/42 spell and came out to bat at number nine, where she was still undefeated on 25.
The development was confirmed in a statement released by the New Zealand Cricket, where they added that Amelia was sent for scans on the morning of October 24 match, in which New Zealand lost by 59 runs. The scan report showed a grade one quadricep injury, which would reportedly take around three weeks.
Amelia Kerr to miss most of WBBL 2024
Amelia’s absence in the series creates doubt for New Zealand to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the three-match series against India. Moreover, the White Ferns may add worry in order to improve their standing in the ICC Women's Championship, where they currently sit in sixth place with 18 points from 19 games.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing ODI series against India, New Zealand Head Coach Ben Sawyer said, "We're gutted for Melie. Injuries are always a challenging time for a player and we know how disappointed she is to not be able to play these games. Everyone knows how much an integral part of this team Melie is, so we'll certainly miss her but we're wishing her a speedy recovery."
Notably, this injury will further create doubt on her participation in the upcoming Women’s Big Bash league (WBBL), starting on Sunday, October 27. The White Ferns all-rounder is set to miss eight of the team's ten league games in the T20 tournament.