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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have announced White Ferns' squad for the five-T20I series at home against South Africa. The reigning ICC Women's T20 World Cup Champions have been bolstered by the return of veteran players Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu.
Sophie is on a casual contract with the NZC. She did not play in the T20I series against Zimbabwe. Suzie has returned after recovering from a quadricep injury. Lea announced her ODI retirement a few days ago and missed the Zimbabwe T20I series due to 'physical preparation planning'.
"We're really excited to welcome back Suzie and Sophie for this next block of games. Their quality on the field really does speak for itself but what they bring to the group culturally is really important for us as a team. I'm looking forward to having them mix in with some of the newer members of the squad," head coach Ben Sawyer said in a NZC release.
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Youngsters return after injury layoff
Meanwhile, Georgia Plimmer and Flora Devonshire have returned after recovering from their respective injuries. Georgia sustained a shoulder injury in the T20I series. She was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series. Flora has recovered from a finger injury.
"It was unfortunate to have Georgia miss out on most of the Zimbabwe series with her shoulder, so the whole group is glad to have her back. Her role at the top of the order is a key one and it'll be great to have her back as we continue to build toward that World Cup later in the year," Sawyer said.
Lea and Flora's workload will be managed. They are available for the last three T20I of the series. In their absence, Bree Illing and Polly Inglis have been picked for first two T20Is.
"Flora had a couple of back-to-back injuries that has kept her out of the squad for the last little while which is never nice as a player. It's really pleasing to be able to have her back in the group, fit and firing for when we need her," Sawyer added.
The T20I series against Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa will begin on March 15. The final T20I of the series will be played on March 25.
New Zealand T20I squad vs South Africa
Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire (last three T20Is only), Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing (first two T20Is only), Polly Inglis (first two T20Is only), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu (last three T20Is only).
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