U19 WT20 World Cup 2023: Fran Jonas ruled out, Kate Irwin named replacement

Fran Jonas in action [Source: Twitter]

New Zealand Cricket has announced that young Under-19 spinner Fran Jonas has been ruled out of the ongoing U19 Women's T20 World Cup following an injury. Jonas suffered a calf injury before New Zealand's tournament opener against Indonesia.

An MRI scan confirmed that the 18-year-old sustained a grade two soleus strain and a grade of gastrocnemius strain, which would require at least two weeks of rehabilitation, cutting her tournament short.  

Auckland-born Kate Irwin has been named her replacement and will fly out to South Africa today. 

However, Jonas will be available for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 for the White Ferns, beginning February 11. 

The talented left-arm spinner has already played 11 ODIs and 12 T20Is for New Zealand Women, picking up 21 wickets combined. 

Led by Antonia Hamilton, the New Zealand team easily won their first match, chasing down 77 runs with ten wickets to spare. They are placed first in the Group C points table and will take on Ireland today.  

Also Read: Morne Morkel joins New Zealand Women's coaching staff for T20 WC 2023