Drumm out of World Cup

Emily Drumm has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a hamstring injury. Drumm, New Zealand's most capped player, sustained the damage during New Zealand's defeat to Australia on Thursday and her absence is a massive blow to the World Cup holders.

Aimee Mason will come into the team as a replacement batsman after doctors advised Drumm to withdraw for the entire tournament. Mason will arrive in South Africa on Sunday, too late for New Zealand's third match against Sri Lanka, which takes place on Saturday. However, Mason is expected to be available for the fourth round tie on Monday, when New Zealand take on Ireland, a team they defeated 3-0 in 2004.

New Zealand have much work to do in the remaining group matches to guarantee themselves a semi-final place. They are a lowly sixth in the table, after rain washed out the first round, and sinking to Australia in the second.