Kerr return headlines New Zealand squad for West Indies tour
Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold and Lauren Down re-enter the squad after missing the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair and wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen making way.
Kerr's pace will be a valued addition for the White Ferns after missing the Games with a foot injury, while fellow quick Lea Tahuhu's form in Birmingham was enough to earn a re-call, in spite of missing out on a central contract earlier in the year.
Down opted out ahead of the tournament to prioritise her well-being, while 21-year-old Penfold re-joins the national side after making her international debut on last year’s tour of England.
Coach Ben Sawyer looks forward to seeing returning players make their mark in Antigua.
“It’s an exciting time for the whole squad and particularly the three players making their returns,” Sawyer said.
“We’ve seen the success Jess (Kerr) has enjoyed on the international stage in her career to date and it’s been encouraging to see her working her way back from injury.
“It’s great to see Lauren return after taking some personal time away from the game."
The squad sees the retention of multiple youngsters who travelled, including wicket-keeper Izzy Gaze, batter Georgia Plimmer, and spinners Fran Jonas and Eden Carson.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in South Africa next February, Sawyer wants the group to take from their performance in Birmingham, beating hosts England in the Bronze Medal Match.
“To do it in front of a packed house at Edgbaston and to do it so convincingly will have given the whole unit so much belief."
“We’ll of course be out to win both series in the Caribbean - but will also be looking to offer opportunities to different players as we try and nail down our combinations for the T20 World Cup and refine our game-plans.
"We’ll also be giving the one-day series plenty of attention, having identified that as the format most in need of improvement.”
New Zealand's women last toured West Indies in 2014, when they lost the ODI series 4-0, but managed to edge the T20Is 2-1 following a thrilling Super Over victory in the deciding match.
New Zealand Squad: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
**Fixtures (all games in Antigua)**1st ODI: September 16
2nd ODI: September 19
3rd ODI: September 22
1st T20I: September 26
2nd T20I: September 28
3rd T20I: October 1
4th T20I: October 4
5th T20I: October 6