Sport

White Ferns lose Bates to shoulder injury

19:13 pm on 4 October 2020

The White Ferns will tackle Monday's second Rose Bowl ODI against Australia without key all-rounder Suzie Bates, who has been ruled out after injuring her shoulder in yesterday's opening game.

Suzie Bates Photo: Photosport

Bates fell awkwardly on her right shoulder when diving for a ball in the outfield in the first ODI, as Australia cruised to a seven wicket win.

Chasing the White Ferns' modest 180 from 49.1 overs, the Australians always looked in control and - anchored by Meg Lanning's unbeaten 62 - cruised home in 33.4 overs.

Bates has had an MRI scan but further consultation with specialists is needed to determine the final diagnosis.

White Ferns head coach Bob Carter said losing Bates was a big blow.

"Any time you lose a player with well over 100 ODIs of experience and a wealth of runs, it's hard to replace them," he said.

"We're playing the second Rose Bowl ODI tomorrow, so we'll need to adapt quickly. We have an extended squad in Australia, so as a coaching group we'll look at our options and put out the best possible team."

Batter Lauren Down's elbow niggle hasn't recovered as well as hoped, ruling her out of tomorrow's ODI. She remains in doubt for the third ODI on Wednesday.

Although Bates will miss the remaining two ODIs, she will stay with the team in Australia.