Kerr, Devine to Miss Opening T20I; Replacements Announced

Due to travel complications following their Women’s Premier League duties, both Kerr and Devine will be unavailable for the first T20I clash on Tuesday. Devine’s Royal Challengers Bangalore side is set to play in the competition’s final. Both players are expected to join the team for the second match in Nelson on Friday.

Georgia Plimmer has been called up to the squad, with an additional player to be selected from the New Zealand A squad, who will face the tourists on Sunday.

Head coach Ben Sawyer views the absence of Devine and Kerr as an opportunity for other players to prove their mettle. “It’s obviously disappointing not to have Melie or Sophie with us for the series opener,” said Sawyer. “We’ve known that this could be the case for some time now, so we’ve made plans for all scenarios. The positive is that it gives other players an opportunity to test themselves against a strong England side.”

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr has been selected by the ICC as one of the five 100% Cricket superstars.

Sawyer expressed confidence in Plimmer’s ability to fill the gap. “Georgia has been a regular part of our group for some time now and she’ll be involved in the ODIs – so we have full confidence she can come in and contribute in the opening T20.”

Suzie Bates will captain the team for the Tuesday opener in Dunedin. The final squad player will be added on Monday.

New Zealand Squad for First T20I v England

Suzie Bates (c), Eden Carson, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

An additional player will be added to the squad.