Uncapped opener in New Zealand squad for Australia ODIs

Otago Sparks top-order batter Bella James is a part of the squad meant to face the Women's Cricket World Cup champions Australia in Wellington.

James has been rewarded for her strong domestic form, which has seen her score 293 runs in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. Bella will likely slot into the opener's role, given Georgia Plimmer's absence due to a bone stress reaction in her left hip. Plimmer is expected to miss cricketing action till next year.

White Ferns selector Sarah Tsukigawa looked at Bella as a valuable player.

“We’re really excited to give Bella her first call-up to international cricket,” said Tsukigawa. “She’s been working hard at the domestic level for many years, and her current form in HBJ shows why she deserves this opportunity. Bella’s ability to hit 360 degrees around the ground with power is a valuable quality.”

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White Ferns' top ODI wicket-taker Lea Tahuhu will also miss the series, after the Canterbury Magicians fast bowler sustained a grade two hamstring tear during Round 2 of the HBJ Shield. Tahuhu is expected to be fit by early January.

There is a call-up for Rosemary Mair, who returns to the squad for the first time since the 2022. Mair, who stood out in New Zealand's successful T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, has missed recent ODI encounters against England (due to a back injury), and India (for management of her workload).

During the T20 World Cup, Mair was the second-highest wicket-taker for the victorious White Ferns with 10 scalps at an average of mere 11.70.

The ODIs will be a part of the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25. Australia lead the points table, whereas New Zealand are at the sixth place.

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Squad:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold

Schedule:

All matches will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

First ODI: 19 December
Second ODI: 21 December
Third ODI: 23 December