New Zealand Announces Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup

WELLINGTON: Flora Devonshire, an all-rounder, has earned her first ODI selection and has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the forthcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host.

The 22-year-old left-arm spinner, who debuted in T20Is against Sri Lanka earlier this year, participated in New Zealand A’s tour of England in June and July.

Her selection to the 15-member team occurred at the expense of fellow left-arm spinner Fran Jonas, who has played 26 ODIs and was a surprising omission.

Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing have also been chosen for their inaugural World Cup appearances. The trio has only participated in eight ODIs combined.

Head coach Ben Sawyer acknowledged that omitting Jonas was a challenging decision.

“It’s always difficult when multiple players are vying for the same position, which made for some difficult choices,” Sawyer stated. “Fran is a talented player, and at just 21, we think her best years are still to come. Flora, on the other hand, provides an intriguing option and has merited her spot.”

Illing, a left-arm seamer, made a strong impression with four wickets in her debut ODI series against Sri Lanka.

James debuted in ODIs against Australia in late last year, while Inglis, who hit an undefeated 34 off 21 balls against Sri Lanka in March, will serve as wicketkeeping backup to Izzy Gaze, the first-choice.

Sawyer lauded the newcomers for adding diversity and equilibrium to the squad.

“Bree puts pressure on batters with her swing and new-ball abilities. Flora has demonstrated her ability to consistently attack the stumps, while Bella is a flexible batter who can score from all locations. Polly provides another option with the gloves and brings grit and determination, which are crucial in difficult situations,” he remarked.

The squad’s seasoned core comprises captain Sophie Devine, who has stated that this will be her final ODI tournament, as well as veterans Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, and Amelia Kerr.

“In the four world events I’ve participated in with this group, I can honestly say we’re the best prepared we’ve ever been,” Sawyer added. “The time off from international cricket since April has allowed us to work hard on our physical skills, which could be crucial in Indian conditions.”

New Zealand will travel to the UAE on September 13 for a pre-tournament camp that includes two warm-up games against England, before heading to India.

They will begin their World Cup campaign against defending champions Australia on October 1 in Indore.

New Zealand Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup:

Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu