Georgia Plimmer returns as New Zealand add three uncapped players to squad for Sri Lanka series

The main highlight for women’s cricket right now is the WPL 2025 where most of the international stars are participating, however, there is still some international action that is set to take place in the next few weeks as New Zealand Women host Sri Lanka Women for three ODIs and T20Is each.

The Kiwis have announced their squad for the upcoming series that is set to take place from March 4 and the team will be led by Suzie Bates. Unfortunately, some key players will be missing from this series, including Sophie Devine, who is on a mental wellness break, and star all-rounder Amelia Kerr, representing the Mumbai Indians Women in the WPL.

The squad will feature three uncapped players - Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, and Bree Illing. The series will also see the return of Georgia Plimmer who was out of action due to a bone stress reaction in her hip. New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer shared his views on the reason behind selecting the three young players, bringing up their performances in domestic cricket and the skillsets they have.

“Emma, Bree, and Izzy have been identified by Major Association and NZC coaches as players who have the desired competencies and skillsets to be effective in international cricket, Emma's been in good form in the HBJ Shield and her ability to hit through the off-side and run well between the wickets is really valuable. Izzy impressed us with how she attacks spin, which is something that will come in handy this series. The way Bree attacks the stumps and swings the ball back into the right-hander is really important in the international game,” said Sawyer as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Also Read: Chamari Athapaththu to leave WPL midway to join Sri Lanka for New Zealand tour

Sawyer also went on to talk about their plans for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka Women. The 47-year-old also said that they might try different combinations going and it will be an opportunity for the young players in the team to gain some experience in the series.

“Sri Lanka's a tough opposition with a number of world-class spinners, We will try different combinations this series, and I'm looking forward to seeing players adapt to different roles. It's an opportunity to test batters in different positions and try different bowlers opening up and at the death," Sawyer added.

New Zealand squad for series against Sri Lanka

Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing (ODIs only), Polly Inglis (ODIs only), Bella James, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair (T20Is only), Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe (ODIs only), Izzy Sharp (T20Is only).