Bernadine Bezuidenhout features in New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad 

Sophie Devine in action (Source: Twitter/@ICC)

Bernadine Bezuidenhout marks her return to the White Ferns as she has been named as the wicket-keeper in New Zealand's squad for the 2023 T20 World Cup.

With Jess McFadyen, New Zealand's glovewoman, being snubbed, Bezuidenhout will keep the wickets in the national jersey after a two-year hiatus as she was out of the action due to RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a condition that affects many female kiwi athletes. 

The 29-year-old has earned a recall on the back of a wonderful summer that also saw her make the New Zealand XI side for the white-ball matches versus Bangladesh.

"For the past seven or eight months we’ve been looking to establish a brand of cricket which we believe spectators will enjoy and, at the same time, gives us the best possible chance of success in major tournaments. With both the bat in hand and her work behind the stumps, we believe that Bernie will contribute positively to that style of play," the New Zealand head coach said as quoted in nzc.nz

More so, the squad includes expected names with Sophie Devine in charge of the side. 

While Lea Tahuhu, Hayley Jensen, Jess Kerr and Hannah Rowe are the key pacers, Fran Jones and Amelia Kerr will do the job of spin bowlers.

Suzie Bazes will open alongside Devine. Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer and Kerr will bat in the middle-order.

Full squad 

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

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