Allrounder Flora Devonshire has been fast-tracked into New Zealand’s 15 for next month’s Women’s ODI World Cup, edging out fellow left-arm spinner Fran Jonas in the headline selection call.
The 22-year-old has not yet played an ODI, though she did win a first T20I cap in Sri Lanka earlier this year and toured England with New Zealand A in June. Her promotion means Jonas, already capped 26 times, stays at home – tough on a bowler many expected to travel.
Head coach Ben Sawyer did not pretend the conversation was easy. “It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls,” he 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.”
Devonshire is one of four newcomers to the tournament. Keeper–batter Polly Inglis, swing bowler Bree Illing and left-hander Bella James have also forced their way in despite only eight ODI appearances between them. Sawyer added: “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.”
Experience sits at the other end of the list. Captain Sophie Devine, who has confirmed she will retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup, is joined by Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr. Their know-how looks vital, particularly with a long break since New Zealand’s last international in April.
“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.”
Conditions have driven several of the selections. Illing’s new-ball swing and Devonshire’s left-arm spin are seen as useful on slow, abrasive pitches, while James’s ability to hit all around the ground provides flexibility in the middle order. “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,” Sawyer explained. Of James, he noted: “Bella’s a versatile batter who can hit 360 degrees around the ground and can bat in most places in the line up.”
Inglis, meanwhile, covers the gloves for first-choice Izzy Gaze. “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,” Sawyer said.
The squad assembles in Dubai on 13 September for a short camp, including two warm-ups against England, before moving on to India. Their World Cup begins on 1 October in Indore against defending champions Australia – as tough an opening as it gets, but also a chance to lay down a marker.
New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Lea Tahuhu, Georgia Plimmer.
