The ongoing T20I series between England Women and New Zealand Women has been marred by injuries to key players from both sides. England’s Sarah Glenn and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine are the latest casualties, raising concerns about their availability for the upcoming ODI series.
Glenn Ruled Out with Concussion, Replacement Named
England‘s young leg-spinner Sarah Glenn has been ruled out of the remaining T20Is and the first two ODIs against New Zealand due to a concussion. The 24-year-old sustained the injury during the third T20I after falling heavily while dropping a catch. While she bowled her next over, Glenn was eventually substituted and has not featured since.
An official statement from the ECB confirmed Glenn will follow concussion protocols and miss the remaining T20Is on March 27th and 29th, as well as the first two ODIs on April 1st and 4th. No replacement has been called up to the squad at this point.
Sophie Ecclestone replaced Glenn in the fourth T20I, marking the return of several England players who participated in the recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. Danni Wyatt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Alice Capsey all rejoined the squad alongside Ecclestone.
New Zealand Captain’s Fitness in Question
While England grapples with Glenn’s absence, New Zealand faces its own injury concern with captain Sophie Devine. Devine sustained a quad strain during the fourth T20I, which restricted her to just one over of bowling and prevented her from batting. An MRI scan is scheduled to determine the severity of the injury and her availability for the ODI series.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Devine downplayed the initial discomfort but acknowledged the importance of the upcoming ODI matches, particularly in the context of World Championship points. “Probably just a small niggle, just looking ahead with the one-dayers being really important with WC [World Championship] points. I probably wanted to get back out there, but someone with a bit more of a rational brain kept me off,” Devine stated.
Both teams will be eager to overcome these injury setbacks as they gear up for the crucial ODI series. England will look to solidify their position and potentially claim a series win, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back after losing the T20I series and secure valuable World Championship points. The availability of Glenn and Devine will undoubtedly play a significant role in the outcome of the ODIs.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
