New Zealand’s women’s team has made three changes to their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting March 14, after injuries ruled out key players.
Wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, seamer Hayley Jensen, and batter Bella James have all been sidelined—Gaze and Jensen with hip flexor issues, while James is dealing with a quadricep injury.
“We’re all feeling for Izzy, Hayley, and Bella,” said White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer. “It’s disappointing for the team, but I know they have the resilience to bounce back.”
To fill the gaps, New Zealand has called up wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing, and all-rounder Flora Devonshire. Inglis and Illing both made their ODI debuts in the recent 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka, while Devonshire is awaiting her international debut.
Sawyer expressed confidence in the newcomers, stating:
Lauren Down is out with a back injury, and Izzy Sharp has been brought in as her replacement
“Bree and Polly had a great start to their ODI careers, showing intent and execution. I’m confident they’re ready for this next challenge. Flora has shown exciting all-round potential at the domestic level, and she fits the qualities we’re looking for in the White Ferns.”
New Zealand Squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Suzie Bates (c), Maddy Green, Polly Inglis, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Brooke Halliday, Emma McLeod, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Flora Devonshire.
