New Delhi, March 9 – Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Georgia Plimmer, and Flora Devonshire will return to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.
“Bates (quad tear), Devonshire (broken finger), and Plimmer (shoulder) have all completed their rehabilitation and will be available for the series, which begins at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
The five-match series will be played as double-header days.
Devine is also set to make her return to the side for the first time since the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India in October, as the New Zealand women's team continues their preparations to defend their title ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year.
Head Coach Ben Sawyer said that the experience of Bates and Devine would only benefit the team. “We are really excited to welcome Suzie and Sophie back for this next block of games.
“Their quality on the field speaks for itself, but what they bring to the team culturally is also very important to us. I look forward to having them work with some of the newer members of the squad.”
Sawyer expressed his delight at having Plimmer available again. “It was unfortunate that Georgia missed most of the Zimbabwe series due to her shoulder injury, so the entire team is glad to have her back.
“Her role at the top of the order is crucial, and it will be great to have her back as we continue to prepare for the World Cup later in the year.”
Sawyer expressed his sympathy for Devonshire, who was ruled out of the recent Zimbabwe series with a hand injury just months after being ruled out of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.
“Flora had a couple of consecutive injuries that have kept her out of the squad for the past few weeks, which is never easy for a player.
“It’s really pleasing to have her back in the group, fit and ready when we need her.”
The squad features 15 players, with Bree Illing and Polly Inglis making way for Devonshire and Lea Tahuhu, a member of the Canterbury Magicians, after the first two T20Is.
Sawyer explained that the selections were all aimed at ensuring good preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. “As we can only take 13 players at a time, we are making some changes to try and get more of our players involved in this important series ahead of the World Cup.”
The White Ferns will play their five-match series as part of a series of double-headers alongside the Blackcaps and Proteas.
The first double-header will be played at Bay Oval in Tauranga on Sunday.
New Zealand Women’s squad:
Melie Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu