Picture Credit: NZC
The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board on Wednesday announced a 15-member Women’s T20 squad for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. Off-spinner Eden Carson and wicket-keeper Izzy Gaze have been included for the first time in the national squad. Meanwhile, Sophie Devine has been named as the captain of the side.
The squad has a rich mix of experience and youth. While T20 regulars like Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, and Hannah Rowe have retained their places for the tour to England in July and August, Jess McFadyen has made a comeback to the side.
The 15-member touring party comprises two wicket-keepers in Jess McFadyen and Izzy Gaze; three spinners in Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, and Fran Jonas. Hannah Rowe, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Hayley Jensen (with back-up from Devine) form a strong pace bowling quartet while Suzie Bates, Devine, Maddy Green, Lauren Down, and Brooke Halliday form the batting lineup.
It’s an honor to represent the country at a global event: Devine
As the squad was announced during the team's first winter training camp at Bay Oval, Sophie Devine shared the team’s emotions ahead of a mega event. The White Ferns skipper said that she feels honored to be representing the first women’s cricket team at a global event.
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,” Devine said. “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,” she added.
Notably, Cricket has been included in Commonwealth Games 2022 and it will be the first time that women cricketers will feature in the event. Eight countries have qualified to be a part of the medal event including New Zealand. India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, England, Barbados, and South Africa are the other nations to have qualified. New Zealand are placed in Group B with South Africa, Sri Lanka, and England.