Injury rules Jonassen out of Women's World Cup

Melbourne, Jan 22 (IANS): Cricket Australia (CA) Tuesday announced that Jess Jonassen has been withdrawn from the squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be held in India from Jan 31. The Queensland off-spinner was ruled out with a knee injury, which sidelined her ahead of the final home-and-away round of the WNCL and WT20 competitions.

File Photo: Jess Jonassen of the Fire sends down a delivery during the WNCL match between the Victoria Spirit and the Queensland Fire held at the St Kilda C.G December 21, 2008 in Melbourne, Australia.

Jonassen underwent minor knee surgery on her medial meniscus earlier this month but has failed to recover in time to compete in this week’s WT20 INTL Series against New Zealand, which will serve as the team’s final preparation ahead of their departure for India.

Jonassen has been replaced in the squad by Western Fury player Renee Chappell. Chappell has travelled to Melbourne to join the team before departing for India.

Commenting on the change, Women’s National Selection Panel (WNSP) chair of selectors Julie Savage said: “To play in a World Cup is a rare opportunity so this is obviously a disappointing outcome for Jess.

“Renee Chappell has performed strongly in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) this season and deserves the opportunity and we are confident that she can step into the side and have an impactful role.”