New Zealand announce squad for Women's T20 World Cup; Lea Tahuhu returns to the side

New Zealand, on Wednesday, announced their squad for the upcoming series against South Africa as well as the T20 World Cup. Lea Tahuhu, who recently had her first child with Amy Satterthwaite highlights the selections. New Zealand will be delighted with the addition of Tahuhu ahead of the marquee event.

Last year, Satterthwaite had announced that she would be taking a break from cricket to have her first child with Tahuhu and with the baby arriving earlier this month, the 29-year-old fast bowler skipped the South Africa ODIs which New Zealand lost. South Africa have won the first two games of the three-match series to seal the series with a match to go. Wicketkeeper batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout has made way for Tahuhu’s inclusion in the T20I squad.

“It’s been a whirlwind last couple of weeks – becoming a Mum for the first time and everything that goes with it,” Tahuhu said as quoted by Cricbuzz.com before adding: “I’m grateful of Amy’s support back home and can’t wait to get stuck in at training ahead of the T20 series against South Africa.”

Sophie Devine will lead New Zealand side

New Zealand coach Bob Carter expressed his delight over the return of Tahuhu in the squad. Carter said that the team will benefit from a player of her calibre and experience especially in Australia, the venue for the T20 World Cup. At the same time, he made it clear that the team should presently focus on the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

“It’s great to have her raw speed and experience back in the group,” Carter said. “Lea offers us plenty with the ball and will no doubt hurry a few batters up, especially in Australia on their fast, bouncy surfaces.

“However, first up we have to contend with South Africa, who have already proven in the ODI series that they are up for the challenge over here. We know we’ll have to be at our best to claim the T20 series,” he added.

Veteran Sophie Devine will lead the side. Devine along with Suzie Bates has featured in every women’s T20 World Cup since its inception in 2009. New Zealand have also named Jess Kerr and Lauren Down in the squad. New Zealand are grouped with Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India in the tournament. They will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on 22 February in Perth.

New Zealand T20I squad:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Lea Tahuhu

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