In a significant development on the women’s cricket front, New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against India. The series is set to take place in Ahmedabad and carries a special importance as it will serve as vital preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup in India. Highlighting the squad announcement is the inclusion of the 28-year-old uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, who has been called up to the national side for the first time following a remarkable domestic season.
Polly Inglis has been in spectacular form in the domestic circuit, particularly in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day tournament where she played for the Otago Sparks. Her performances were standout, with a batting average of 54 and a strike rate nearing 80. Inglis also delivered a notable performance in an international context, scoring a century for New Zealand A against England A. Her call-up serves as a reward for her consistent performances and as a testament to her potential at the international level.
New Zealand’s squad also sees the return of middle-order batter Lauren Down, who is making her comeback to the squad for the first time since taking a maternity leave in July. Down’s return adds experience and stability to the middle order, which will be crucial in the closely contested matches expected against a strong Indian side.
Sophie Devine will continue to lead the White Ferns’ side, despite stepping down as the T20 captain after their success in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. The announcement comes in the wake of New Zealand’s jubilant celebration as T20 World Cup champions, having clinched their maiden title by defeating South Africa in the final by 32 runs. Devine’s leadership will be pivotal as the team shifts focus to the 50-over format and readies itself for the challenges ahead on Indian soil.
However, the squad sees some changes from the T20 World Cup-winning lineup.
. Rosemary Mair, who marked her return to the international scene during the T20 World Cup following a prolonged injury layoff, will not be part of the squad as she has been rested. Additionally, off-spinner Leigh Kasperek has been left out of the 15-member team, signaling the strategic changes being implemented by the coaching staff to adapt to Indian conditions.
Ben Sawyer, the head coach of the White Ferns, expressed enthusiasm and optimism regarding the upcoming series. “We’re really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour,” Sawyer noted. He highlighted her exceptional performances in domestic cricket and the New Zealand A series against England, indicating that this selection is a logical progression in her cricketing journey. Sawyer emphasized that the series would be an excellent platform for preparation as the team sets its sights on the major goal of the upcoming year – the ODI World Cup.
Sawyer also reflected on the recent triumphs and challenges faced by the team, stating, “It’s been an amazing 24 hours for this group becoming T20 World Cup champions. We’re relishing the win but when we get to India we’ll need to refocus and set our sights on the next challenge.”
As the New Zealand women’s cricket team departed from the UAE for India on October 21, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the series continue to build. With a roster blending a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team is well poised to deliver quality performances in the subcontinent. The squad for the India ODIs includes some key players: Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wicketkeeper), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wicketkeeper), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, and Lea Tahuhu.
With India’s strong heritage in cricket and supportive home crowd anticipated, this series promises to deliver thrilling cricketing action, rendering it a compelling watch for fans and followers of women’s cricket worldwide. The series aims not only to entertain but also to serve as a key preparatory stage for the upcoming global cricketing contests.
