Replacements confirmed as Kerr, Devine to miss opening T20I
New Zealand Cricket have confirmed Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine will be unavailable for the team's first of five T20Is against England, bringing in Georgia Plimmer and Mikaela Greig.
Travel complications after Women's Premier League duty make Kerr unavailable for the first clash on Tuesday, with Devine's Royal Challengers Bangalore side set to play the competition's final. Devine is expected to join Kerr to be available for match two in Nelson on Friday.
Plimmer was called in to the squad on Sunday, with Greig selected from the New Zealand A squad who played the English side on Sunday.
Head coach Ben Sawyer said Devine and Kerr’s provide opportunities for others to step up.
“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 and the positive is that it gives other players an opportunity to test themselves against a strong England side."
New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr is one of five players selected by the ICC as 100% Cricket superstars
Sawyer said Plimmer was an obvious choice to come in, with Greig worthy of selection after a strong domestic year.
“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."
“Mikaela has been impressive for the Central Hinds all summer and deserves an opportunity to join the group for the first time,” said Sawyer.
“She’s shown this season that she possesses power and hitting ability which are important qualities in T20 cricket and we believe she has the ability to contribute if selected in the XI.”
Suzie Bates will lead the team as captain for the Tuesday opener in Dunedin.
Plimmer and Greig will remain in Dunedin after tomorrow’s match and reassemble with the New Zealand A one-day squad on Thursday ahead of the first 50-over match against England A on Saturday.
New Zealand squad for first T20I v England
Suzie Bates (c), Eden Carson, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu