Women's T20 World Cup 2023: Sophie Devine doubtful starter

Sophie Devine is named NZ-Women captain [Source: Twitter]

New Zealand Women received worrying news ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023, that skipper Sophie Devine could miss a few starting encounters after sustaining a foot injury. Devine is set to lead a strong 15-member White Ferns squad under coach Ben Sawyer next month in South Africa.

Devine is set to miss a three-match practice series against England Women starting tomorrow, as confirmed by Sawyer in a New Zealand Cricket statement.

The 33-year-old is managing a stress fracture in her foot and is racing against time to get fit for the global tournament. 

Here's what Sawyer said

“[We’re] taking it nice and slow with her. The goal is to get her fit for the two official warm-up games [after the England practice series]. She is tracking well and was walking around today and had a little bit of a catch and a throw.

"Everyone is confident she’s going to be there for the first game.”

Sawyer further confirmed that Fran Jonas is also back in training after picking up a calf injury during her time with the New Zealand Women's Under-19 side, who played in the semi-finals of the Women's U19 World Cup 2023 against India.

New Zealand are clubbed in Group A with Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. They kick off their campaign on February 11 against neighbours Australia. 

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