Brooke Halliday ruled out of final two India ODIs

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Brooke Halliday played the first two ODis, scoring 6 and 13 respectively. © Getty
New Zealand batter Brooke Halliday has been ruled out of the final two ODIs against India after being deemed a close contact of a Covid-19 case. Halliday, who played the one-off T20I as well as the first two ODIs, dined outside with her partner, who subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

As per protocols, Halliday will be required to isolate in her hotel room for seven days. She returned a negative Covid-19 test on Monday (February 21) and will be tested again on day five of her isolation. If she returns a second negative test, she can finish her isolation period and re-join the team on Friday as they prepare for next month's home World Cup.

"This is obviously a frustrating time for Brooke," said head coach Bob Carter. "But she's remaining upbeat, and as a team we're supporting her and checking in on her by phone etc. Of course, we're looking forward to her re-joining the team once she's met the appropriate protocols."

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without the trio of Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green and Fran Jonas for the fourth game of the series, which they have already clinched. While Green and Jonas suffered lacerations to their hands, Tahuhu will be rested as a precautionary measure.

Tahuhu was forced off the field with a minor injury in the third ODI but returned to bat in New Zealand's chase. She'll be available as a substitute fielder if necessary.

"Maddy and Fran both injured their hands while practicing. We are monitoring their individual situations and are hopeful of a quick recovery for both. We didn't want to risk Lea bowling in ODI 4, especially with a World Cup just around the corner," Carter said.