The New Zealand Women’s team is gearing up to host Sri Lanka Women’s team in a white-ball series, starting on March 4. There is a piece of disheartening news coming for the hosts as they have lost their wicketkeeper batter, Bella James to an unfortunate grade-two quadricep strain on her right leg while playing in the domestic one-day competition. She needs at least three and a half weeks of rehabilitation, while she has been ruled out NZC has announced Lauren Down as her replacement for the series. Bella James sustained the injury during the Otago's game against Central Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand's women's one-day competition. James made her debut for the White Ferns last year against Australia and scored 51 runs in two games. Also Read: Sophie Devine Withdraws from Upcoming Sri Lanka Home Series Head coach Ben Sawyer opened up on James’ missing out on the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Sawyer said: "We're all gutted for Bella," Sawyer said. "She had a strong start to her international cricket career in December so it's a shame she doesn't get the opportunity to back that up this series. But we're hopeful she'll be tracking to return for the T20s." Lauren Down’s participation in the T20I leg is still uncertain. Talking about her stats then Down is the third-highest scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, with 280 runs in ten matches at an average of 31.11. Ben Sawyer further stated that Lauren brings a lot of experience to the team and her participation will provide a strong start for the team. He further added: “Lauren brings plenty of experience to the group. She's been a key contributor for the [Auckland] Hearts this season, and we're pleased she'll get the opportunity to take that form into this series.” The three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka Women will commence on March 4 in Nelson and the next two ODI games will be played in Napier.