Alex Blackwell ruled out of New Zealand series

Allrounder Alex Blackwell has been ruled out of Australia women's forthcoming home series against New Zealand in October due to a knee injury.

Blackwell ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during a training session with New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground on July 15. She will undergo surgery next week, and will miss the entire tour, comprising a Twenty20 fixture at Brisbane on October 18, followed by a five-match one-day series.

Speaking to reporters, Blackwell admitted that the injury was a huge setback, but added that it would only encourage her to try harder to make a strong comeback.

"It's very disappointing to be injured and know I'm going to be watching from the sidelines as I've been training hard over the past three months in readiness for the season," she said. "My priority now is to go through the rehabilitation process, stay positive and make sure I come out the other side fitter and stronger and ready to play cricket as soon as I can."

Blackwell, a medical student, was recently named the 2005 Australian University Sport Outstanding Athlete of the Year.