Fast bowler makes a comeback from a back injury; Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates prepare for ninth T20 World Cup appearance.
New Zealand's women's team gains a significant advantage with the return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. Mair had been sidelined by a back injury sustained during the home series against England in March. In addition, captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set to make history by participating in their ninth T20 World Cup, a milestone that ensures both athletes will have taken part in every edition of the tournament.
Mair, who has claimed 18 wickets in 24 T20 Internationals, joins a formidable pace attack that includes seasoned players Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold. Bates and Brooke Halliday also present options as fast-bowling allrounders, while the spin department is strengthened by Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson. Overall, the squad boasts substantial experience, with wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze being the only member without prior T20 World Cup experience.
"I'm thrilled with this squad; I believe we have our strongest 15 players who can adapt to the varied conditions we expect," stated New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer. "Soph [Devine] and Suze [Bates] bring a wealth of experience from both World Cups and franchise leagues, and we intend to leverage their knowledge during what promises to be a highly competitive tournament."
After a challenging period with injuries, Mair's fitness marks a return to form for one of the team's essential pace options. New Zealand also has a series of warm-up matches planned, starting with a tour of Australia for three T20Is on September 19, 22, and 24 in Mackay and Brisbane. They will also play warm-up games against South Africa and England on September 29 and October 1, respectively. The T20 World Cup will kick off for New Zealand with a match against India on October 4, in a group that also includes Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Notably, the upcoming World Cup will be the final tournament for Devine as New Zealand’s T20I captain.
New Zealand squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2024
Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu