New Zealand pair Lauren Down and Jess Kerr ruled out of Commonwealth Games squad

Lea Tahuhu, who missed out on a central contract earlier this year, and Claudia Green have been called into the group for the eight-team competition

Batter Lauren Down and fast bowler Jess Kerr have pulled out of New Zealand's squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Down has chosen to withdraw from the squad, with New Zealand Cricket revealing it is a measure to "prioritise her well-being". 

The batter impressed during the home bilateral series against India in February, scoring a match-winning 64 not out in the third ODI before a broken thumb ruled her out of the World Cup. 

She follows Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr as the third Kiwi to take a break from cricket in the last year.

Despite hopes that she may have recovered for the Games, Jess Kerr remains plagued by a foot injury picked up during the World Cup against Pakistan. She requires further rehabilitation before returning to cricket.

"Our first and main priority is ensuring both Lauren and Jess are looked after – it's never easy missing cricket tours," said New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer. 

"We’ve ensured Lauren has the support she needs and hopes she’ll be able to join us again soon.

"We thought Jess would recover in time to take the field in Birmingham, and while this has not transpired, the signs are good for an international return for the West Indies tour in September."

^{Tahuhu and Green have benefitted from the withdrawals (David Rowland/James Allan/Getty Images)}

Replacing the pair are bowlers Lea Tahuhu, who missed out on a central contract earlier this year, and Claudia Green, who would make her debut if she appears at the Games.

Tahuhu is a veteran of 11 years, impressing in the World Cup with 10 wickets at 20.80, while Green represents a like-for-like change for Kerr and has been part of several New Zealand camps previously.

While neither player is part of the 17-member central contracts list, coach Sawyer has stated that players outside the list are still eligible for selection.

"Lea is a familiar face so will be able to hit the ground running at training camp next week," he added. "We’ve previously said it’s important not to confuse contracting with selection and this is a good example of why.” 

"Lea offers genuine pace and bounce with the ball and her ability with the bat gives us options."

"Claudia has a similar skill-set to Jess so fits nicely into the squad make-up. Her ability to swing the ball is an exciting aspect of her game and we look forward to having her on tour in England."

The cricket competition at the Commonwealth Games being held at Edgbaston takes place between July 29 and August 7. The Kiwis begin their campaign against South Africa on July 30.

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