Fast bowler Rosemary Mair and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze have been named in the New Zealand women's squad for the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, marking their first trip to the country. Rosemary last played for New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games against England in August last year, while Izzy missed out on selection for last year's West Indies tour, Bangladesh's visit, and the Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed excitement about their return, noting their hard work in improving their game since their last international tours. With experienced players like captain Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, and Maddy Green in the squad, Sawyer believes the team is well-equipped for the challenges of the tour.
The squad features a young spin group, including Eden Carson and Fran Jonas, who will thrive in the sub-continent conditions in Sri Lanka. While most of the squad will be experiencing playing in Sri Lanka for the first time, the team's previous exposure to similar conditions in the West Indies and India will be valuable.
Lauren Down is unavailable for the tour due to family reasons, and all-rounder Hayley Jensen is recovering from knee surgery. Batter Kate Anderson, who has been involved in winter training plans, is also unavailable due to a finger injury.
Head coach Sawyer will be supported by batting coach Dean Brownlie, spin bowling coach Craig Howard, and tour coach Sriram Krishnamurthy from the Chennai Super Kings academy, who will join the team in Sri Lanka.
The New Zealand women's team departs for Sri Lanka on June 22 and will play the first ODI against the hosts in Galle on June 27, followed by three T20Is in Colombo. The announcement of the women's central contract list will be made by NZC on June 21.
New Zealand squad for the Sri Lanka tour: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Tour Schedule
June 27 - 1st ODI, Galle International Stadium
June 30 - 2nd ODI, Galle International Stadium
July 3 - 3rd ODI, Galle International Stadium
July 6 - Warm-up T20 against Sri Lanka President's XI, Colombo Cricket Club
July 8 - 1st T20I, P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo
July 10- 2nd T20I, P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo
July 12 - 3rd T20I, P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo