Four players have earned recalls in New Zealand’s squad for their upcoming T20I series against Australia in Sydney later this month.
Eden Carson, Molly Penfold, Hannah Rowe and Bella James are included in the squad led by Melie Kerr as the team renew their rivalry with the T20 World Cup champions from across the Tasman.
Every Eden Carson wicket | WT20WC 2024
Carson returns to the side following elbow surgery that kept her sidelined since late last year, and joins a spin group alongside all-rounders Nensi Patel, Flora Devonshire, and captain Kerr.
Carson is excited to be back in New Zealand colours.
“To be back in the White Ferns environment is really special,” Carson said.
“The rehab process has taken a lot of patience, but I’ve been fortunate to have great support around me and I’m feeling ready to get back out there and contribute.”
Wicket-keeper batter Izzy Gaze is unavailable following surgery to an ongoing thumb injury, with Polly Inglis set to take the gloves.
Penfold and Rowe return following the recent retirements of Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu, while Bella James comes in following Suzie Bates’ departure.
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The series is important preparation for the inaugural 2027 ICC Women’s Champion Trophy in India, and the first without the departure of former head coach Ben Sawyer.
Batting coach Dean Brownlie will step in as interim coach and appreciates the opportunity for his side to test themselves against the best side in the world.
“There’s a balance of experience and future-focus in this squad and it’s going to be a chance for the group to test themselves against a quality side,” Brownlie said.
“Competing against the best in the world is always going to be a challenge, but it also provides a lot of opportunities to learn and strengthen skillsets within that.”
Squad: Melie Kerr (C), Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp
New Zealand tour of Australia – T20I series
3rd T20I – Thursday 22 October
Melie Kerr gets inventive | Women’s T20WC 2026
Melie Kerr scoops it for four against England at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
