Offspinner Jess Jonassen has been ruled out of the women’s World Cup in India, with Australian selectors rushing WA allrounder Renee Chappell into the squad.

Jonassen has not recovered from recent knee surgery and was unable to prove her fitness before this week’s Twenty20 series against New Zealand, the squad’s final tune-up before they depart for the subcontinent.

The International Cricket Council has approved the late change to Australia’s squad.

Chappell, 29 and yet to make her international debut, will join the Southern Stars in Melbourne for their three T20 matches against New Zealand.

“To play in a World Cup is a rare opportunity so this is obviously a disappointing outcome for Jess,” national chair of selectors Julie Savage said.

“Renee Chappell has performed strongly in the Women’s National Cricket League this season and deserves the opportunity and we are confident that she can step into the side and have an impactful role.”

Australia start their World Cup campaign with two warm-up fixtures in Mumbai before taking on Pakistan on January 31.