New Zealand are all set to tour South Africa for a power-packed white-ball series commencing from September 24. The tour will see the White Ferns take on the Proteas side in three ODIs and five T20Is. The squads of New Zealand for both series were recently announced by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

Kate Anderson and Bella Armstrong receive maiden call-ups

Sophie Devine has retained her position as the captain of the team. Meanwhile, batter Kate Anderson and all-rounder Bella Armstrong are the two players who have received their maiden call-up to the national set-up. Anderson will be part of both the T20I and ODI teams, while Armstrong was picked for only the T20I leg. Notably, Anderson had a sensational domestic outing and was even adjudged NZC’s Women’s Domestic ‘Player of The Year’.

Jess Kerr returns after missing out the series against Sri Lanka

Apart from the uncapped duo, experienced Jess Kerr has returned to the team following an injury. However, Hayley Jense was not considered for the selection and missed out due to her knee injury.

The White Ferns coach talked about Jess’ return to the side and lauded her for her bowling skills, expressing happiness over having her back in the team.

“It’s a real bonus to have Jess back in the squad after injury ruled her out of the Sri Lanka tour,” said White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer.

“She’s got a world-class bowling skill set and is especially effective with her in-swinger, which is proving more and more difficult in the women’s game. Jess bookends the innings, especially in a T20 match, as she swings it up front and then bowls an amazing leg cutter at the death,” he added.

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On the other hand, Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, and Lea Tahuhu were among the other core players to maintain their spots in the team.

It is worth mentioning that the squad will undergo a training camp before leaving for South Africa from September 10 to 14 in Tauranga.

New Zealand’s ODI squad for the South Africa tour

Sophie Devine (c), Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

New Zealand’s T20I squad for the South Africa tour

Sophie Devine (c), Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Bella Armstrong, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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