Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket
WHITE FERNS wicket-keeper batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout has been ruled out of the tour of South Africa after being diagnosed with post-viral Pericarditis.
Bezuidenhout was assessed by the team doctor in Johannesburg and underwent specialist scans that revealed the condition.
The doctor has recommended that Bezuidenhout limit physical activity for 4-6 weeks until she is fully recovered.
Bezuidenhout has been cleared to fly and will return to New Zealand next week following a short stay with family in South Africa.
WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said the team was disappointed for Bezuidenhout.
“We’re really feeling for Bernie,” he said.
“She’s a really important part of our team so we’re all disappointed she won’t be able to take part in this tour.
“She’s a strong personality and we know she will be fully committed to her recovery and we’ll be supporting her however we can.
“We’re very grateful for the doctors here in South Africa who have taken great care of Bernie and supported her through what has been a challenging few days.”
Auckland HEARTS wicket-keeper batter Izzy Gaze who was named in the ODI squad will now remain on tour for the T20Is.
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.