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With Devine and Kerr unavailable, Suzie Bates will lead New Zealand in the opening T20I.
“It’s obviously disappointing not to have Melie [Kerr] or Sophie with us for the series opener,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “We’ve known that this could be the case for some time now, so we’ve made plans for all scenarios and the positive is that it gives other players an opportunity to test themselves against a strong England side.”
Sawyer also threw his weight behind Plimmer and Greig. “Georgia has been a regular part of our group for some time now and she’ll be involved in the ODIs – so we have full confidence she can come in and contribute in the opening T20I,” he said.
“Mikaela has been impressive for the Central Hinds all summer and deserves an opportunity to join the group for the first time. 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.”
Lauren Bell (Warriorz) and Heather Knight (RCB) had earlier pulled out of their WPL deals to make themselves available for the entire New Zealand white-ball series since the ECB had told the players involved in the WPL that staying in India until the tournament is complete would mean non-selection for the first three T20Is in New Zealand.
New Zealand squad for first T20I vs England
Suzie Bates (capt), Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Izzy Gaze (wk), Eden Carson, Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
*The story was updated after Mikaela Greig was added to the squad.
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