New Delhi [India], March 11: New Zealand’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka will see the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Isabella Gaze, seamer Hayley Jensen, and batter Bella James, as they have been sidelined due to injuries. Taking their places are wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing, and all-rounder Flora Devonshire, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite multiple injuries, New Zealand had a strong showing in the ODI series, where they whitewashed Sri Lanka 2-0. Polly Inglis and Bree Illing made their debuts during the one-dayers, and Flora Devonshire, although uncapped, is yet to make her debut in the senior side.
New Zealand’s head coach, Ben Sawyer, expressed sympathy for the injured players but also confidence in their ability to recover. “We’re all feeling for Izzy, Hayley, and Bella. It’s disappointing for the team and the players, but I know those three have the determination and resilience to bounce back,” Sawyer said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Sawyer also praised Inglis and Illing for their strong starts in the ODI series. “Bree and Polly had a really positive start to their ODI career. They both showed great intent and execution, and I’m confident they’re ready to take on this next challenge,” he added. Sawyer also highlighted the potential of Flora Devonshire, who has impressed at the domestic level. “Flora’s demonstrated a lot of all-round potential at the domestic level and is another exciting young player with qualities consistent with what we’re looking for in the White Ferns.”
The T20 series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will kick off on March 14, with three matches scheduled. The second match will take place on March 16 in Christchurch, while the third match will be played in Dunedin on March 18.
New Zealand Squad for T20 Series:
- Suzie Bates (c)
- Rosemary Mair
- Eden Carson
- Flora Devonshire
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Bree Illing
- Polly Inglis (wk)
- Fran Jonas
- Jess Kerr
- Emma McLeod
- Georgia Plimmer
- Izzy Sharp
Sri Lanka Squad for T20 Series:
- Chamari Athapaththu (c)
- Nilakshika Silva
- Kavisha Dilhari
- Imesha Dulani
- Inoshi Priyadharshani
- Vishmi Gunaratne
- Achini Kulasuriya
- Sugandika Kumari
- Harshitha Samarawickrama
- Manudi Nanayakkara
- Sachini Nisansala
- Udeshika Prabodhani
- Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)
- Kaushini Nuthyangana
- Rashmika Sewwandi
- Chethana Vimukthi