Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu have rejoined the New Zealand squad for the T20 International series against Australia, marking the end of the 2024-25 home season. Bella James is also making a comeback to the team, which will be captained by Suzie Bates. Meanwhile, Izzy Gaze will be absent due to an injury, with Polly Inglis taking her place.
Devine had previously taken a break for well-being, causing her to miss the Super Smash, the Women’s Premier League in India, and New Zealand’s home series against Sri Lanka. “It’s great to have had some time to reset and refocus, and I’m really excited to rejoin the team,” Devine commented.
Amelia Kerr returns to international cricket after sitting out the Sri Lanka series to participate in Mumbai Indians’ successful WPL campaign. She was a standout performer, taking 18 wickets and earning the Purple Cap.
Lea Tahuhu has recovered from a grade-two hamstring injury sustained last December.
Bella James, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to a quadriceps strain and is awaiting her T20I debut, has passed her fitness tests and will travel with the team to Auckland on Wednesday.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Sophie, Melie, and Lea for this series,” said Ben Sawyer, New Zealand head coach. “They are crucial players who bring significant experience and leadership to the team.”
Wicketkeeper-batter Gaze’s hip-flexor sprain, which also kept her out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka, has not healed in time. Inglis, her replacement, debuted in both ODI and T20I formats and played in all six games against Sri Lanka, though she only batted once in the T20Is.
Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Bree Illing are the players who will make way for the return of Devine, Amelia, and Tahuhu. The three-match T20I series is scheduled from March 21 to 26, with matches in Auckland, Mount Maunganui, and Wellington.
New Zealand Squad: Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.
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