England bowler Issy Wong is set to have a scan on a hamstring problem as the team assesses her fitness less than a month before the T20 World Cup. The 23-year-old was scheduled to play in Sunday’s first one-day international against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street but withdrew after feeling tightness in her hamstring during the warm-up.
While England remain optimistic that the injury is not severe, they are keen to get a clearer picture before making any decisions on her availability. The second ODI against New Zealand takes place on Wednesday in Northampton, followed by the series finale on Sunday. Wong’s scan results are expected within the next few days. In her place, uncapped 21-year-old left-arm bowler Alexa Stonehouse has been called up for the ODI series.
After the ODIs, England will face New Zealand in three T20s, followed by three more against India as part of their World Cup build-up. The World Cup campaign starts on June 12 against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston.
Key spinner Sophie Ecclestone, 27, also missed Sunday’s win due to a quad issue. The England camp has indicated the injury is minor, and Ecclestone was seen working in the gym at Chester-le-Street. However, it remains unclear whether she will be fit for Wednesday. She has played only twice for Lancashire this season.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is also absent from the New Zealand ODIs after sustaining a left calf tear. She is expected to return for the T20 matches against the White Ferns.
If Wong’s injury proves more serious than hoped, the situation becomes more complicated due to a concussion suffered by all-rounder Em Arlott on Sunday. The 28-year-old, who would be a strong candidate to replace Wong, was struck on the head while batting in the nets and has been ruled out of the New Zealand ODI series under concussion protocols.