New Zealand batter and former captain Emily Drumm is out of the remainder of the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Thirty year-old Drumm, who was New Zealand’s captain when they won the World Cup in 2000, has been battling a hamstring injury in recent weeks. After missing the Rose Bowl in Perth two weeks ago, she played in NZ’s first two games in this World Cup, scoring 0 and 42 before being run out on both occasions.
Following the recurrence of the hamstring injury in yesterday’s match against Australia, it was decided after consultation with tournament medical officers to withdraw Drumm from the remainder of the series.
Twenty-two year-old off-spin all-rounder Aimee Mason will replace Drumm in the New Zealand squad. Mason has played 37 one-day internationals commencing with the 2002 Rose Bowl, taking 38 wickets at 28.10, but following a disappointing 2004-05 State League season with Central Districts (6 wickets at 57.16 in nine games) she was left out of the initial White Ferns squad for the World Cup.
Mason will arrive in South Africa on Sunday and should be available for New Zealand’s fourth round match against Ireland on Monday.
New Zealand are currently in equal fifth position on four points following their washout against the West Indies and their 32-run loss to Australia. They face Sri Lanka at the Harlequins Club tomorrow.