New Zealand have unveiled a fresh squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of England, with four emerging players set to play their first overseas ODI assignment. Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel, Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp headline the inclusions in a 15-member squad. The quartet earned their call-ups after impressing in home conditions earlier this year, playing key roles in ODI series wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa. Spin-bowling all-rounders Devonshire and Patel have been absolutely brilliant in the bowling unit. While McLeod and Sharp have strengthened the side's batting attack.
The squad will be led by captain Melie Kerr, under whom New Zealand have been performing nicely and building a powerful squad. Meanwhile, veteran batter Suzie Bates, who has been named for what will be her final ODI series. Notably, Bates recently confirmed that she will retire from international cricket following the T20 World Cup in England in June. The tour begins with a three-match ODI series, starting in Durham on May 10. It will be followed by a three-match T20I series, which will help them in their preparations for the T20I World Cup.
“We’ve got some exciting young talent in this squad with the likes of Emma, Izzy, Nensi, and Flora, alongside our core group of seasoned campaigners,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said.
“Our younger players are finding their feet in international cricket but they’ve proved they have what it takes to succeed at this level."
“England is a tough side to beat in their home conditions - so it’s a good chance to test ourselves."
“We’ve made some great gains as a group recently and are coming off the back of a successful home summer so hopefully that gives the team a lot of confidence heading into this series.”
New Zealand squad: Melie Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp