Cricket New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia. The series will be played from March 21st to March 26th in Auckland, Mount Maunganui, and Wellington.
Sports News: Cricket New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia. This series will be played from March 21st to 26th in Auckland, Mount Maunganui, and Wellington. The team selection includes several significant changes, with the return of key players exciting fans.
Sophie Devine's Return
35-year-old star all-rounder Sophie Devine has ended her break from international and domestic cricket and is returning for this series. She stepped away from the game in January 2024 to prioritize her mental and physical health. Devine commented on her return, stating, "This was the right time for me to mentally and physically reset, and I'm now ready to contribute fully to the team."
This team also sees the return of Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu. Amelia Kerr, who missed the previous series against Sri Lanka, recently won the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 title playing for Mumbai Indians, taking 18 wickets and winning the Purple Cap. Her return strengthens New Zealand's spin bowling department.
Fast bowler Lea Tahuhu is also back after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in December last year, which ruled her out of several crucial matches. Meanwhile, young player Bella James, yet to make her T20I debut, has passed her fitness tests and will join the team in Auckland on March 19th.
Suzie Bates to Captain
Polly Inglis has been included in the team as a replacement for the injured Isabella Gaze. Veteran batter Suzie Bates has been named interim captain. The team management hopes that under Bates' leadership, New Zealand will provide b competition to Australia in this challenging series.
T20I Series Schedule
First T20I: Friday, March 21st - Eden Park, Auckland
Second T20I: Sunday, March 23rd - Bay Oval, Tauranga
Third T20I: Wednesday, March 26th - Sky Stadium, Wellington
New Zealand Squad
Suzie Bates (Captain), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, and Lea Tahuhu.
