Southern Stars lose two key players ahead of ODI
Fields out with broken finger
The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have suffered a blow in their bid to overhaul England and regain the Women's Ashes with captain Jodie Fields and Sarah Coyte ruled out of today's one-day international.
Fields' loss is a big blow to the Stars' hopes. Australia's captain broke a finger in a fielding drill at training yesterday.
Coyte picked up a thigh injury during the Test match in Perth which has not responded well enough to take her place today.
Alyssa Healy comes in for Fields while Julie Hunter has been brought in as cover for Coyte.
Healy, the niece of former Australia men's Test wicketkeeper Ian, captained the Chairman's XI in the warm-up match against England on Friday.
CA Physiotherapist Megan Roy said: “Jodie Fields fractured the distal phalanx joint in her finger after receiving a knock to it during a fielding drill at training. She will remain with the squad to receive medical treatment and further assessment for her availability for remaining matches.
“Sarah Coyte has been receiving treatment since the conclusion of the Test match in Perth for a thigh injury. Sarah will remain with the squad and continue to receive treatment.”
Vice-captain Meg Lanning will skipper the team in place of Fields, with Alex Blackwell to stand in as vice-captain.
After losing the Test match, the Southern Stars need to win five of the six remaining limited-overs contests to regain the Women's Ashes.
2014Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes Series
Date |
Format |
Venue |
Points for a Win |
Points for a Draw |
10-13 January |
Test |
WACA, Perth |
6 points |
2 points |
19 January |
ODI |
MCG, Melbourne |
2 points |
1 point |
23 January |
ODI |
MCG, Melbourne |
2 points |
1 point |
26 January |
ODI |
Blundstone Arena, Hobart |
2 points |
1 point |
29 January |
WT20 INTL *+ |
Blundstone Arena, Hobart |
2 points |
N/A |
31 January |
WT20 INTL *+ |
MCG, Melbourne |
2 points |
N/A |
2 February |
WT20 INTL *+ |
Stadium Australia, Sydney |
2 points |
N/A |
*Double-header with men’s KFC T20 INTL (Australia v England)
+In the event of a draw in the WT20 INTL matches, a super over will be played.