Sophie Devine to miss start of Super Smash following heavy workload
"Sophie's understandably disappointed but we're adamant she needs this break to re-charge her batteries and be well-prepared for the upcoming challenges," said Liz Green.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine is set to miss the start of the ongoing Super Smash season for Wellington. She will be taking a 'wellbeing break' following a heavy workload over the last year.
Liz Green, NZC head of women's high performance, confirmed the unavailability of Devine. A decision on her comeback in the tournament is yet to be decided.
"Our players' mental and physical wellbeing is always our number one priority and it's clear Sophie simply needs a break. 2024 is shaping as another big year for the WHITE FERNS with England arriving later in the summer and the ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon.
"Sophie's understandably disappointed but we're adamant she needs this break to re-charge her batteries and be well-prepared for the upcoming challenges," Liz Green said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The 2023-24 Super Smash tournament commenced on December 19, Tuesday. Wellington are set to play their first game against Otago at their home ground on Thursday, December 21. During the league stage, all six teams will engage in ten matches each. The eliminator is scheduled for January 26, with the final taking place on January 28.
Devine had a hectic schedule at international level
Sophie Devine recently competed in the home ODIs and T20Is series against Pakistan, commencing just four days after concluding her stint with the Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). In 2023, she showcased her skills in 12 T20Is and nine ODIs, participating in various tournaments such as last season's Super Smash, the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) in India in March, The Hundred in August, and the WCPL in August, followed by her venture to Australia for the WBBL.
Her 49 T20 appearances this year are jointly the most alongside star Hayley Matthews, and she closely trails the West Indian among the top T20 run-scorers in 2023. Looking ahead, New Zealand's upcoming assignment includes a home T20I series against England starting March 19, with expectations that Devine will also be part of the second edition of the WPL in India before the series.
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