New Zealand fast bowler Jess Kerr has been ruled out of the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka by the White Ferns due to a broken toe. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Monday that off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will replace Kerr for the tour.
Kerr sustained the injury while batting during a training session last week. A subsequent scan revealed a fracture that will require up to six weeks of rehabilitation. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment with the timing of the injury, as Kerr is a crucial member of the team's bowling lineup.
"Jess is a key part of our bowling group in both formats and will be missed on what will be a challenging tour," said Sawyer in a statement released by NZC. However, he remains confident that Kerr will make a full recovery and be ready for the team's next challenge after the Sri Lanka tour.
Leigh Kasperek, who last played for the White Ferns during the tour to England in 2021, has been recalled to the squad. The off-spinner from Wellington Blaze has an impressive record, featuring in 39 ODIs and 46 T20Is for the White Ferns and taking 140 wickets. She is the second all-time leading wicket-taker in T20Is for the team.
Kasperek's performance for the Blaze last summer was exceptional, finishing as the second leading wicket-taker in both the Super Smash and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. She was also awarded the Wellington Blaze Player of the Season.
Sawyer highlighted the depth in spin bowling within the White Ferns squad, emphasizing Kasperek's recall as a testament to their strength.
"Leigh has had a challenging 18 months since the World Cup but has always been a player that has been on our radar. 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," explained Sawyer.
The head coach also mentioned the strong depth in spin bowling, including the likes of Fran Jonas, Eden Carson, and Melie Kerr, expressing his confidence in Kasperek's ability to thrive in the Sri Lankan conditions if given the opportunity.
Kasperek, who is currently in Scotland, will join the White Ferns squad when they arrive in Sri Lanka. The team is currently undergoing final training at NZC's High Performance Centre in Lincoln and is set to depart for Sri Lanka on Thursday.