Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr, and Sophie Devine rejoin the New Zealand team for the three-match T20I series against Australia that starts on March 21. Following the team’s 1-1 series draw with Sri Lanka earlier today, Suzie Bates will remain the team’s interim captain. Isabella Gaze’s hip flexor sprain has kept her out of commission.
Devine, 35, is back playing cricket after taking a hiatus from both local and international play in January to focus on her health. The all-round player was absent from the Women’s Premier League, Dream11 Super Smash, and the just finished series against Sri Lanka.
After not playing for the White Ferns since the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Dubai last year, Kerr, who was a member of the winning Mumbai Indians team in the WPL, is back to play for them. After recovering from hamstring issues that had kept her out since December, Tahuhu, the third senior returning player, makes a comeback.
Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Bree Illing have made room for the group of players, while Bella James and Polly Inglis have also been called up to the squad.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his excitement about the return of the three seasoned players to the New Zealand squad, calling Devine “an asset for any team.”
We are thrilled that Soph, Melie, and Lea will be returning for this season. These three important members of the team contribute a wealth of leadership and experience.
“After a period of time away from the game, Soph is now in a position where she is eager to return to the pitch. We’re thrilled to have her back for what we know will be a difficult series since everyone knows how powerful she is and how valuable she is to any team.”
The new Zealand men’s squad will continue its five-match T20I series against Pakistan, which the hosts currently lead 2-0, in the evening, while the women’s series will be played during the day as part of a doubleheader.
Wellington, Tauranga, and Auckland will host the three games.
Squad: Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, and Suzie Bates (C). Plimmer, Georgia; Tahuhu, Lea
India
