Leigh Kasperek replaces Jess Kerr in New Zealand's squad for Sri Lanka tour

New Zealand women are all set to take on Sri Lanka women for a multi-format series that is scheduled to begin in the latter stages of June, 2023. Both sides will play three ODI matches, which will be followed by three T20I matches. The first ODI of the series will be held at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday, June 27. 

Ahead of the series, New Zealand suffered a major setback as medium pacer Jess Kerr injured herself while batting in the nets in preparation for the series. Kerr was struck on the toe during training, and the injury will keep her out of contention for several weeks. Furthermore, she will need six weeks of rehabilitation as well. 

With her injury, the side announced off-spinner Leigh Kasperek as her replacement in the squad. It is worth noting that Kasperek last played an international game in September 2021, and it could be interesting to see how the 31-year-old will fit in the squad with the series right around the corner.

Kasperek has been an exceptional performer for New Zealand whenever given the chance; she is the second-highest wicket taker for the side in T20Is and bowling in spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka could do wonders for her. Leigh, who is currently in Scotland, will join the national side in Sri Lanka.

Picking up an injury so close to departure for a tour is always disappointing: Ben Sawyer

Furthermore, White Ferns’ head coach Ben Sawyer also came forward to give his take on the nature of the injury and opined that Jess had been working very hard over the summer, and picking up an injury before any series is always unfortunate.

"Picking up an injury so close to departure for a tour is always disappointing, Jess has been working really hard over the winter. We were excited to see how she would perform in new conditions for her, but we're confident she will be back fit and ready for our next challenge after Sri Lanka," Ben Sawyer was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

"Leigh has had a challenging 18 months since the World Cup but has always been a player that has been on our radar, 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," he added.