Silver Ferns touring captain Lesley Rumball (nee Nicol) has withdrawn from the upcoming Fisher & Paykel test series against England due to injury.
Rumball, New Zealand's most capped Silver Fern, sustained a hamstring injury during training two weeks ago and will not be match fit for the series.
It is
the first time in Rumball's 10-year international career that she will miss a series due to injury.
Coach Ruth Aitken says that while Rumball's experience and leadership will be missed, her injury status means that the risk of further damage is too great for her to take part in the series.
Rumball's Sting team-mate and long-time Silver Fern Adine Wilson (nee Harper) will step into the touring captain role, with captain Anna Rowberry still injured. It will not be the first time Wilson has represented New Zealand in this role - she captained the NZ Under 21 team at the World Youth Champs in 2000.
Aitken will make a decision on a possible replacement in the team next week. With the Silver Ferns in camp in Whangarei from Sunday and the NZ Under 21s returning from their successful tour of Jamaica and USA tomorrow, Aitken has a number of options to consider.
"Lesley is a key member of the Silver Ferns' senior player group and I know that we're going to miss her skill and experience this series. It's a great opportunity however for someone else to step up and prove themselves, and we're currently reviewing our options."
Rumball will take part in a rehabilitation programme which is expected to continue for between four and six weeks.
- NEWSTALK ZB
