Photo Credit: ICC
WHITE FERNS Captain Sophie Devine will leave the ODI squad to return home to Wellington with Northern Districts Spirit batter Kate Anderson called in as a replacement.
Devine didn’t play the final two G.J. Gardner Homes T20s against Australia due to fatigue and the decision has been made for her to take a period of rest.
WHITE FERNS Head Coach Bob Carter said the decision was made in the best interests of Devine.
“As I said earlier in the week, this is about prioritizing Sophie’s needs first.”
Carter confirmed Northern Districts batter Kate Anderson will join the squad while WHITE FERNS Vice-Captain Amy Satterthwaite will continue to lead the side in Sophie’s absence.
“Amy did a fantastic job in the final two T20s and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.”
“This is a great opportunity for Kate to join the WHITE FERNS squad for the very first time,” he said.
“She fit in really well with the New Zealand XI down in Queenstown earlier this summer and we look forward to having her with us at The Mount.”
Canterbury Magicians seamer Lea Tahuhu has joined the squad after missing the T20 series.
Tahuhu has recovered from her hamstring injury and took a full part in training today.
“It’s great to have Lea back in the mix, she’s an experienced player and gives our bowling attack another option,” said Carter.
Central Hinds all-rounder Hannah Rowe and Wellington Blaze spinner Leigh Kasperek will now both stay with the squad for the entire series.
The WHITE FERNS vs Australia G.J. Gardner Homes ODI series starts on Sunday at Bay Oval with the teams competing for the Rose Bowl trophy.
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
