New Zealand have named a 16-member squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, featuring three uncapped players—Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, and Bree Illing. Georgia Plimmer also returns after recovering from a hip injury that kept her out since November.
Hayley Jensen makes a comeback after a strong domestic season, having last played for New Zealand two years ago. Suzie Bates will captain the team in the absence of Sophie Devine, who is on a well-being break. Amelia Kerr is also unavailable due to her WPL commitments with Mumbai Indians.
The uncapped trio has progressed through New Zealand’s Under-19 system. McLeod, 18, recently played her second Under-19 T20 World Cup and has scored 300 runs in the domestic one-day competition. Sharp, 20, captained New Zealand in the inaugural Under-19 World Cup, while Illing, 21, has been a consistent wicket-taker for Auckland, with 19 wickets in the one-day competition.
Plimmer last played in the ODI series in India. Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, yet to debut, has earned a second call-up. Bella James is in line for her T20I debut after making her ODI debut against Australia in December.
New Zealand are missing key players due to injuries. Lea Tahuhu (hamstring) and Rosemary Mair (elbow) are recovering, while Molly Penfold is out for at least three months with a knee injury. Mair is expected to return for the T20Is, while Tahuhu could be fit for the Australia series.
Coach Ben Sawyer emphasized the importance of the series in preparing for the ODI World Cup in India, highlighting Sri Lanka’s quality spin attack. The ODIs start on March 4 in Napier, followed by games on March 7 and 9 in Nelson. The T20Is are scheduled for March 14, 16, and 18.
Leave a Reply