The New Zealand Women quick has been brought back in the squad for the three-match home ODI series against Australia Women, which follows the three-match T20I series beginning on Sunday (March 28).
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Tahuhu had recovered from the hamstring strain which had ruled her out of the last two ODIs and the entire T20I series against a visiting England women’s side last month.
However, Tahuhu wasn’t still considered for the T20Is versus Australia. The management wanted to ensure she is fresh for the ODIs, a format where she has played 69 previous matches and taken 71 wickets with an economy of 4.41 runs per over.
All-rounder Brooke Halliday and left-arm spinner Fran Jonas have been included in both squads. Halliday made two successive half-centuries in her debut ODI series against England, where Jonas kickstarted her career as well.
Suzie Bates, the veteran Kiwi allrounder, however, wasn’t considered for selection in either of the two Australia series due to a shoulder injury. Bates had aggravated the injury to her shoulder while playing the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia in November last year.
We’re up for the challenge against Australia. To be the best, you have to beat the best and we know we’re going to have to be at the very top of our game.
said New Zealand head coach Bob Carter, who believes series against the top-ranked T20I and ODI side offers his team a fantastic opportunity to prepare for the next year’s 50-over World Cup at home.
Brooke and Fran have come in and impressed everyone. Brooke’s performances first-up against England showed she’s got what it takes and we’re excited to give her more opportunities at this level. Fran has fitted in extremely well and shown a real willingness to learn and grow as a cricketer – her youthful exuberance is infectious,
he added.
Sophie Devine nearing 100th T20I appearance
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine spoke about a remarkable achievement in her career as she is due to turn up for her 100th T20I match through the series versus Australia. In the preceding 97 games for her country, Devine has scored 2,457 runs at a strike-rate of 124.78 and taken 94 wickets while bowling with an economy rate of 6.30. She will be joining the New Zealand men’s camp this week to observe their training.
To play 100 T20Is will be a really special occasion and I’m excited to join the club alongside Suzie and Amy. It’s a great opportunity to see how the Blackcaps’ inner sanctum go about their work. As a team, they’ve managed a sustained period of success, so any little insights I can glean and take back to the White Ferns camp will be invaluable.
Devine said.
I’ve also done short stints with the Silver Ferns [the women’s national netball team] and Black Ferns [the women’s national hockey team] over the past few months with an eye to developing our own team environment. The chance to connect with other elite female athletes is important for our own learning and growth. Both the Silver Ferns and Black Ferns are world champions in their respective codes, so to experience those team environments has been great.
Hamilton, Napier and Auckland will host the three T20Is between New Zealand and Australia Women on March 28, 30 and April 1, respectively. The Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui will play host to the three ODIs scheduled for April 4, 7 and 10.
Last year, when New Zealand women toured Australia, they suffered a 2-1 series defeat in the T20Is and were whitewashed 3-0 in the ODIs. The team will thus have a point to prove when they lock horns with their longstanding arch-rivals.
T20I squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Amy Satterthwaite, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Frances Mackay, Katey Martin (wk), Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe
ODI squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Amy Satterthwaite, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek – (games 2 & 3 only), Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Frances Mackay, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin (wk), Hannah Rowe (game 1 only), Lea Tahuhu
