The New Zealand women's cricket team is gearing up for an exciting T20I series against Australia, marked by the return of key players Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu. This highly anticipated contest will wrap up the 2024-25 home summer, and it’s no surprise that fans are eager to see these star athletes back in action.
Devine, whose absence was felt deeply due to her mental wellness break, has expressed her enthusiasm for rejoining the team. "It's nice to have had some time to reset and refocus and I'm really looking forward to getting back out there with the girls," she remarked. The well-being break, which kept her out of the Super Smash and the Women's Premier League (WPL), also caused her to miss New Zealand's home series against Sri Lanka. Her return is seen as a significant boost to the squad's morale and performance.
Amelia Kerr’s return is equally celebrated. After excelling in the WPL with the Mumbai Indians, where she claimed the coveted Purple Cap for taking the most wickets (18 wickets total), she will be a vital asset for New Zealand. In her last T20I appearance, she was instrumental in securing New Zealand's T20 World Cup victory, even taking home Player of the Match honors for her standout performance. Kerr’s combination of batting finesse and wicket-taking capability makes her one of the squad's key players moving forward.
Rejoining the team is also fast bowler Lea Tahuhu, who has fully recovered from a grade-two hamstring tear sustained back in December 2024. With her experience and skill, Tahuhu is expected to solidify New Zealand’s bowling attack, which will be crucial against a formidable Australian side. The White Ferns’ head coach, Ben Sawyer, expressed his excitement about the trio's return, stating, "We're stoked to have Soph, Melie and Lea back for this series; they bring invaluable experience and leadership to the team."
Along with these notable returns, the squad sees Bella James also making her way back after passing fitness tests on March 17, 2025. James had missed out on the previous series due to a quadriceps strain but is eager to contribute. However, wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze continues her recovery from a hip flexor injury sustained during the third ODI against Sri Lanka and will not be part of the squad for the Australia series. In her absence, Polly Inglis has been included in the team after making her debut during the recent Sri Lanka fixtures.
The T20I series against Australia consists of three matches, scheduled to take place from March 21 to 26, 2025. The action kicks off at Eden Park in Auckland, followed by matches in Mount Maunganui and Wellington. With both teams vying for dominance, this series promises to be an exhilarating showcase of women’s cricket.
The New Zealand squad for the T20I series features a strong roster: Suzie Bates (captain), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, and Lea Tahuhu. As the team prepares to take on their Australian rivals, all eyes will be on the returning stars, whose performances could prove pivotal in the quest for victory.
With the announcement of the squad and the upcoming series, the anticipation among fans and players alike is palpable. This T20I series not only marks a significant point in the calendar but is also seen as a chance for the New Zealand team to assert their status on the international stage once again.
