Palmerston North 16-year-old Ashtuti Kumar will debut for the Central Hinds in today's Dream11 Super Smash clash at Pukekura Park against the Auckland Hearts, where JESS WATKIN has won the toss and elected to bat first.

Uncapped Kumar is a late replacement for Kerry Tomlinson who dislocated and fractured her finger playing against Wellington Blaze at the same ground yesterday, and joined the squad this morning.

Natalie Dodd in action against the Blaze on Friday | PHOTOSPORT

Tomlinson received a painful blow on the glove while batting to add to the pain of a 49-run loss to top-of-the-table Blaze in the first of the two back-to-back T20 doubleheaders at home, while Melissa Hansen also dislocated a finger.

Allrounder Kumar is fresh off a starring role with both bat and ball in the NZC Under 21 national championships, which CD won, and has trained with the Hinds as part of the wider squad in the lead-up to the 2019/20 season.

Today's match against the Hearts begins at 12.40PM with gates open from 11.40AM and fine conditions in New Plymouth. The Central Stags then face the Auckland Aces from 4.10PM.

The Hinds are looking to climb up the table | PHOTOSPORT

The Hinds remain fourth on the table with the unbeaten Hearts in second spot after four wins on the bounce.

Tickets are available at the gate from 11.40AM.

PHOTOSPORT

Article added: Saturday 28 December 2019