(Cricket news) Jess Kerr was struck on the toe while batting at training lately last week and the subsequent scan showed a fracture that will require up to six weeks of rehabilitation. WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said he was feeling for Kerr but was confident that she would make a swift comeback from her injury. “Picking up an injury so close to departure for a tour is always disappointing,” said Sawyer.

“Jess is a major part of our bowling lineup in both formats and will be missed on what will be a challenging tour. “Jess has been pushing really hard over her practice sessions in winter and we were exhilarated to see how she would perform in completely different conditions for Jess, but we’re confident she will be back fit and ready for our next challenge after Sri Lanka.” Kasperek rejoins the WHITE FERNS squad for the first time since the tour to England in 2021.

This Wellington Blaze’s offspinner Jess Ker has appeared in 39 ODIs and 46 T20I appearances for the WHITE FERNS taking 140 wickets and is the WHITE FERNS’ second all-time leading T20I wicket-taker. Kasperek was profuse with the ball for the Blaze last summer, finishing as the second leading wicket-taker in both the Dream11 Super Smash and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. 

She was therefore awarded the Wellington Blaze Player of the Season considering her thrilling performance in the matches. Sawyer said Kasperek’s recall showed the strength in depth in the WHITE FERNS spin bowling stocks. 

“Leigh Kasperek has had a challenging 18 months since the World Cup but has always been a player that has been on our radar because of his consistent performance,” said Sawyer. “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.

“With Leigh, Fran, Eden, and Melie Kerr we have strong depth in our spin bowling stocks, and ultimately that’s the level of depth we want to get to in all positions. “Leigh brings a wealth of international experience to the group and I’m sure she will thrive in the Sri Lankan conditions if given an opportunity.”

Kasperek is presently in Scotland and will be joining up with the WHITE FERNS squad when they land in Sri Lanka. The WHITE FERNS are currently gathered at a final training camp at NZC’s High Performance Centre in Lincoln and depart for Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Also read: https://spogonews.com/armstrong-delany-scored-a-ton-in-evoke-super-50-cup/