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White Ferns without Kerr and Devine for England series opener
Logan Swinkels • March 18th, 2024 11:29 am
The White Ferns will be without Melie Kerr and skipper Sophie Devine for the first T20I against England on Tuesday.
Kerr’s Mumbai Indians were denied the chance to defend their WPL crown when they were eliminated by Devine’s Royal Challengers Bangalore over the weekend, but due to travel complications involved with returning to New Zealand from India, it would not be possible for the Debbie Hockley Medal winner to arrive in time.
NZC have stated Kerr will be available for the second T20I at Nelson’s Saxton Oval, along with Devine, who will be celebrating an 8-wicket win against the Delhi Capitals this morning to win the WPL Final, where the opener scored 32 runs off 27 balls.
Originally only named for the ODI series against England, Wellington Firebirds batter Georgia Plimmer has been brought into the squad to cover Kerr in her absence. And today NZC announced the inclusion of Central Hinds batter Mikaela Greig as Devine’s cover for the opening match of the T20I series.
Both players have featured for New Zealand A in the current series against England A – Plimmer top-scored for NZ with 34 runs in Saturday’s 30-run loss, while Greig scored 24 in Sunday’s 8-wicket loss.
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer believes Greig is worthy of the call-up.
“Mikaela has been impressive for the Central Hinds all summer and deserves an opportunity to join the group for the first time,” Sawyer said.
“She’s shown this season that she possesses power and hitting ability which are important qualities in T20 cricket and we believe she has the ability to contribute if selected in the XI tomorrow.”
Devine and Kerr are expected to assemble with the White Ferns on Wednesday. Suzie Bates has been named to captain the side for the series opener.
*Join SENZ for live ball-by-ball commentary of the first T20I between the White Ferns and England from Dunedin’s University Oval – available on the SENZ and all NZ frequencies from 12.30pm Tuesday. *
White Ferns squad for first T20I:
Suzie Bates (c), Eden Carson, Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
Suzie Bates (c), Eden Carson, Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
