New Zealand Women announce 15-member squad for Commonwealth Games

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have announced a new-look women's squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in July. New Zealand will be skippered by Sophie Devine, who will lead as many as four new recruits this time in the absence of several veteran players.

Apart from Amy Satterthwaite, who retired from the game after not getting a central contract, the likes of Katey Martin, Lea Tahuhu, Frankie Mackay, and Leigh Kasperek are nowhere to be found.

Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, and Jess McFadyen received their call-ups for the national side, which also has the experience of Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Hannah Love.

Spinner Carson and keeper Gaze got their maiden call-ups.

Speaking about the Commonwealth Games, Devine sounded excited and upbeat about the squad she was given.

"We can't wait to get on the plane. To be the first women's cricket team to represent the country at a global event like the Commonwealth Games is truly an honour.

It's been great to get the group back together this week at Bay Oval, and our new squad members are finding their feet and fitting in well," Devine said in an interview with the ICC.

NZC CEO David White also believes that with the sport's inclusion in the Commonwealth Games, women's and girls' cricket will see more development.

"It's a terrific time for cricket to be back at the Commonwealth Games - and it's another excellent development for the women's and girl's game, both here and around the world.

I'm sure the players are going to love the experience of being part of a wider New Zealand team and the slightly different context of the Games environment," White said

The Commonwealth Games will start in Birmingham on July 28. New Zealand's first match will be against South Africa on July 30.

New Zealand squad: Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine(c), Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze(wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen(wk), Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe