New Zealand Women announce 15-member squad for West Indies tour, recall Jess Kerr and Lauren Down

Lauren Down and Jess Kerr missed New Zealand's CWG 2022 campaign (PC: Twitter)

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a strong 15-member squad for White Fern's upcoming tour of the West Indies. New Zealand Women are due for their first visit to the Caribbean since 2014. Selectors have recalled fast-bowlers Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, and experienced batter Lauren Down, who missed New Zealand's Commonwealth Games 2022 Bronze-medal winning campaign.

Kerr missed out on an injury, while Down chose to opt-out of the competition. As expected, Sophie Devine will continue to lead, which will consist of the likes of Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Amelia Kerr, and Maddy Green.

Lea Tahuhu, who had an impressive outing in the T20 CWG tournament, kept her place despite the return of Jess. Youngsters Izzy Gaze, Fran Jonas, Eden Carson and Georgia Plimmer

Unfortunately, Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair, and Jess McFadyen have been dropped from the squad, that played in the CWG.

The series will comprise three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and five T20Is commencing from September 16.

Excited to work with the whole squad: Sawyer

Head coach Ben Sawyer in his statement, welcomed the three-players back in the squad, and expressed his excitement of working with the team in West Indies.  

"It's an exciting time for the whole squad and particularly the three players making their returns,"

New Zealand Women Squad:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

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