'Have got a lot of fire in the belly': Devine downplays retirement talk
Devine scored a calm and composed 48 against South Africa in New Zealand's Commonwealth Games opener, as her side clinched a 13-run victory over South Africa at Edgbaston.
Devine also made a significant contribution with the ball, registering figures of 3/37 from her four overs. The performance helped her become the first New Zealand bowler to claim 100 wickets in the T20I format.
When quipped about her future plans after New Zealand's victory, Devine responded, "Are you telling me I should retire? I'm just joking. I wanted to get to the home World Cup earlier this year, and I was going to reassess [after], but I certainly have got a lot of fire in the belly still."
The White Ferns are currently in a transition phase, with Amy Satterthwaite announcing her international retirement and Lea Tahuhu also missing out on the Commonwealth Games squad.
New Zealand are now trying to blood some youngsters and Devine believes that she has a massive role to play in order to develop these players.
Devine also praised the youngsters, who have fit in seamlessly in the team environment.
New Zealand handed a debut to three less experienced players against South Africa – wicketkeeper Izzy Gale, off-spinner Eden Carson and left-arm spinner Fran Jonas.
"I think the way that they've come into the group, they fit in so well. I think it's credit to the environment that we've created within the White Ferns that players like that can come in doesn't matter if they're young or old and they can feel comfortable and can perform well," Devine added.
Devine was also full of praise for ICC's 100% Cricket Superstar, Amelia Kerr, stating that the 21-year-old inspires her to become a better player.
"She inspires me to be a better player. She's world-class, and it's just so great having someone as good as her around the group. She's a big dreamer and talks about at training how we're going to be on the podium together," Devine added.
After their win against South Africa, Devine and New Zealand will next set sights on a victory against Sri Lanka. The two sides will face off at Edgbaston on Tuesday, August 2.