Thumb injury rules Dane van Niekerk out of Hundred

A scan on her thumb has revealed an intra-articular fracture and Invincibles have confirmed that she will require surgery

Joe Williams | 13/08/2023 at 14:46

Oval Invincibles women's captain Dane van Niekerk has been ruled out of the remainder of The Hundred after suffering an injury to her right thumb.

The former South Africa skipper, who has had no luck with injuries in recent times, sustained the blow while fielding during her team's victory over Manchester Originals on August 9.

A scan on her thumb has revealed an intra-articular fracture and Invincibles have confirmed that she will require surgery.

Opener Suzie Bates has been named as the new captain as they look to retain the title they have won twice.

Van Niekerk's final appearance of the tournament saw her hit 42 in 23 balls, and the allrounder has expressed her disappointment with the news having started to find her form.

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^{Van Niekerk is out of the tournament (Julian Finney/Getty Images)}

"I'm very sad to be ruled out of the tournament," she said. "I felt like I was hitting my stride in the game against the Originals so to get injured in the same match is incredibly frustrating.

"I'll stay with the group to offer Suzie and the team all the support I can. I am very grateful to everyone that offered me their kind wishes after I missed the Superchargers game – it means a great amount."

A replacement player will be announced by Oval in due course.