New Zealand have revealed a new-look women’s cricket squad for next month’s CWG in Birmingham with 4 uncapped players set to secure their international debuts.
With several constants, who were part of the catastrophic ICC Cricket World Cup campaign at home earlier this year, having recently retired or having flunked to get annual agreements, NZ women’s team have included 4 new players in their 15-member squad.
Whilst Amy Satterthwaite declared her retirement right after she came to know her name was not on the list of undertook players released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recently, virtuoso players like Katey Martin, Lea Tahuhu, Frankie Mackay and Leigh Kasperek too found themselves rejected.
Batter Georgia Plimmer, spinner Eden Carson and wicketkeepers Izzy Gaze and Jess McFadyen have all been included, with skilful captain Sophie Devine once again named to lead the New Zealand side.
Devine stated she was elevated about the prospect of women’s cricket being part of the Commonwealth Games, after a men’s 50-over edition played at Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
“We can’t wait to get on the plane,” Devine said.
“To be the first women’s cricket team to represent the country at a global event like the Commonwealth Games is truly an honour.”
“It’s been great to get the group back together this week at Bay Oval and our new squad members are finding their feet and fitting in well,” she further said.
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White reckons the re-establishment of cricket to the CWG is a prodigious way to further encourage the women’s game.
“It’s a terrific time for cricket to be back at the Commonwealth Games — and it’s another excellent development for the women’s and girl’s game, both here and around the world,” he stated.
“I’m sure the players are going to love the experience of being part of a wider New Zealand team, and the slightly different context of the Games environment.”
The Commonwealth Games begin at Edgbaston on 29th of July, with New Zealand’s first game in the eight-team tourney coming the day after versus South Africa.
New Zealand squad:
Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe.
