Flora Devonshire named in New Zealand’s ODI World Cup squad that leans on Devine, Bates, and Kerr’s experience.
Uncapped allrounder Flora Devonshire earns New Zealand ODI World Cup squad spot.
New Zealand’s roster for the forthcoming women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka includes all-rounder Flora Devonshire, who has not received any ODI caps.
For their debut World Cup campaigns, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing—who have only played eight ODIs between them—have also been included.
Earlier this year, 22-year-old left-arm spinner Devonshire made her T20I debut against Sri Lanka and was a member of the New Zealand a June and July trip of England. Due to her selection in the 15-man roster, Fran Jonas, a fellow left-arm spinner with 26 ODIs under her belt, was conspicuously left out.
“It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls,” head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favour of Flora was a tough decision. We know Fran is a quality player and at 21 we believe she still has her best years in front of her.”
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James made her ODI debut against Australia late last year, while left-arm seamer Illing claimed four wickets in her first ODI series against Sri Lanka. Inglis will also support first-choice Izzy Gaze at wicketkeeping after she smashed an undefeated 34 off 21 balls in her second appearance against Sri Lanka in March.
“I’d like to especially acknowledge the four players set for their first World Cup – they’ve all earned this opportunity and I’m excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament,” Sawyer said. “I’m really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we’ve got the right mix to tackle what we’ll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition.”
“Bree puts batters under pressure early with her swing and has great ability with the new ball. Her and Flora have both shown they can consistently bring the stumps into play, which will be effective in the conditions we’re going to face.
“Flora’s got an attacking mind and skillset with the bat, which is valuable down the order. Bella’s a versatile batter who can hit 360 degrees around the ground and can bat in most places in the line up.
“Polly gives us another option with the gloves within the squad, and she possesses great grit and determination, which are qualities that will be important in trying conditions.”
Devine, Bates, Kerr headline experienced core
The team’s seasoned core consists of Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, and skipper Sophie Devine, who will retire from ODI cricket following the World Cup.
Before travelling to India, the team departs for the United Arab Emirates on September 13 for a pre-tournament training that includes two warm-up games against England. On October 1, they will play Australia in their first World Cup encounter in Indore.
“I can honestly say that in the four world events I’ve been part of with this group, we are the best prepared we’ve ever been,” Sawyer said. “Having no international cricket in our calendar since April has given us the ability to work really hard on our physical skills in particular, which is something that could be the difference in India.”