New Zealand Cricket Announces Young and Exciting Squad for Sri Lanka Series
The Black Caps women’s team has unveiled an exciting and youthful squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, featuring three uncapped players: Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, and Bree Illing. This 16-player ensemble also sees the return of Georgia Plimmer, who has been on the sidelines since November due to a bone stress reaction in her hip. The squad’s composition reflects New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) commitment to developing young talent while maintaining a competitive edge in international cricket.
Experienced Leadership and Fresh Talent Blend
In the absence of full-time ODI captain Sophie Devine, who is currently on a well-being break, the experienced Suzie Bates will lead the side. Additionally, Amelia Kerr, who has been representing the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, will also miss the series. The blend of seasoned players and emerging talent is designed to provide a robust and dynamic team. Hayley Jensen, who last played for New Zealand two years ago, returns to the squad after a stellar domestic season, adding depth to the batting lineup. Polly Inglis, a wicketkeeper-batter, receives her second call-up, although she is yet to make her international debut. Bella James, who made her ODI debut against Australia in December, is also included and is in line for her T20I debut.
Rising Stars of the Future
The uncapped trio of Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, and Bree Illing has risen through the ranks of New Zealand’s Under-19 squads, showcasing their potential and promise. Emma McLeod, just 18, has recently played her second Under-19 T20 World Cup. Her impressive domestic form, with 300 runs for Central Districts in the ongoing HBJ Shield competition, averaging nearly 43 with two half-centuries, has earned her a spot in the squad. McLeod’s ability to hit through the off-side and her excellent running between the wickets make her a valuable addition to the team. Izzy Sharp, 20, captained the New Zealand Under-19 team in their first World Cup two years ago. Known for her aggressive approach against spin, Sharp’s inclusion is a strategic move to strengthen the batting lineup against Sri Lanka’s formidable spinners.
Bree Illing: A Wicket-Taking Force
Bree Illing, another 21-year-old, has been a consistent wicket-taker for Auckland in the domestic one-day competition. She currently stands third on the charts with 19 wickets at an average of 21.10. Her performance in the T20 Super Smash, where she maintained an impressive economy rate of 5.44 and picked up eight wickets, further solidified her place in the squad. Illing was also selected for New Zealand A last year, highlighting her potential to contribute at the international level. Her aggressive bowling style, characterized by attacking the stumps and swinging the ball back into the right-hander, is expected to be a game-changer in the series.
Managing Injuries and Preparing for Future Challenges
The squad has been carefully curated to manage the ongoing injury concerns of key players. Molly Penfold, Rosemary Mair, and Lea Tahuhu are all dealing with various injuries. Mair, who has an elbow issue, is expected to be fit for the T20Is starting on March 14, while Tahuhu, recovering from a hamstring strain, is anticipated to return for the Australia T20Is beginning on March 21. Molly Penfold, recently sidelined for at least three months due to a knee injury, will not be available for the series. Head coach Ben Sawyer emphasizes the importance of these upcoming games in providing valuable experience, particularly against spin bowlers, as the team looks ahead to the ODI World Cup in India in October.
Strategic Combinations and Positional Flexibility
Sawyer highlights the strategic importance of trying different combinations and roles within the squad. "Sri Lanka’s a tough opposition with a number of world-class spinners," he said. "We will try different combinations this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing players adapt to different roles. It’s an opportunity to test batters in different positions and try different bowlers opening up and at the death." The ODI squad will convene in Napier on March 2, following the HBJ Shield final on Saturday. The ODI series will kick off on March 4 in Napier, with subsequent matches in Nelson on March 7 and 9. The T20Is will be held in Christchurch on March 14 and 16, and in Dunedin on March 18.
Squad List
New Zealand Women ODI Squad:
- Suzie Bates (capt)
- Eden Carson
- Izzy Gaze
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Bree Illing (ODIs only)
- Polly Inglis (ODIs only)
- Bella James
- Hayley Jensen
- Fran Jonas
- Jess Kerr
- Rosemary Mair (T20Is only)
- Emma McLeod
- Georgia Plimmer
- Hannah Rowe (ODIs only)
- Izzy Sharp (T20Is only)
The combination of experienced leadership and fresh, promising talent in this squad is a promising sign for New Zealand Cricket. The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will not only test the team’s mettle but also serve as a valuable platform for the young players to showcase their skills and prepare for future international challenges.
