New Zealand has named a strong squad for their upcoming T20I series against Australia, marking the return of key players Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu. The series, set to conclude the 2024-25 home summer, will also see Bella James rejoining the side, while Polly Inglis replaces the injured Izzy Gaze.
Devine, Kerr & Tahuhu Make Their Comebacks
Captain Suzie Bates will lead the White Ferns, with Devine returning after a well-being break that kept her out of the Super Smash, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, and New Zealand’s home series against Sri Lanka. Expressing her excitement, Devine stated:
“It’s nice to have had some time to reset and refocus, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there with the girls.”
Kerr also makes her comeback after a stellar WPL campaign with Mumbai Indians, where she claimed 18 wickets and secured the Purple Cap. Meanwhile, Tahuhu has successfully recovered from a grade-two hamstring tear sustained in December.
Squad Adjustments & New Inclusions
James, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to a quadriceps strain, has cleared her fitness tests and is set to travel with the team to Auckland. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his excitement about the return of three experienced players:
“We’re stoked to have Soph, Melie, and Lea back for this series. They bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the group.”
Wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze remains sidelined due to a hip-flexor sprain, with Inglis stepping in as her replacement. Inglis made her ODI and T20I debuts against Sri Lanka but had limited opportunities to bat in the T20I series.
To accommodate the returning trio, Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Bree Illing have been left out of the squad.
T20I Series Schedule
The three-match T20I series will take place from March 21 to 26 across three venues: Auckland, Mount Maunganui, and Wellington.
New Zealand Squad for T20I Series Against Australia:
- Suzie Bates (capt)
- Eden Carson
- Sophie Devine
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Polly Inglis
- Bella James
- Fran Jonas
- Jess Kerr
- Amelia Kerr
- Rosemary Mair
- Georgia Plimmer
- Lea Tahuhu
With a full-strength squad back in action, New Zealand will be aiming to end their home season on a high against a formidable Australian side.
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