Georgia Plimmer returns as New Zealand add three uncapped players to team for Sri Lanka series

There is still some international action scheduled for the next weeks, as New Zealand Women host Sri Lanka Women for three ODIs and T20Is apiece. However, the WPL 2025 is now the main event for women’s cricket, in which the most of the international stars are competing.

The Kiwis have revealed their roster for the forthcoming series, which begins on March 4. Suzie Bates will serve as the team’s captain. Some important players will regrettably be absent from this series, including as Sophie Devine, who is taking a break for mental health, and top all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who plays for the Mumbai Indians Women in the WPL.

Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, and Bree Illing are the three uncapped players who will be on the squad. Georgia Plimmer, who missed time due to a bone stress response in her hip, will also return in the series. According to Ben Sawyer, the head coach of New Zealand, the three young players were chosen because of their skill sets and domestic cricket performances.

Emma has been playing well in the HBJ Shield, and her ability to hit through the off-side and run well between the wickets is really valuable. Major Association and NZC coaches have identified Emma, Bree, and Izzy as players with the competencies and skill sets needed to be successful in international cricket. The way that Izzy tackles spin impressed us, and this series will benefit from it. In the international game, Bree’s attack on the stumps and swing of the ball back into the right-hander is crucial, Sawyer stated.

Additionally, Sawyer discussed their preparations for the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka Women. They may experiment with different lineups, the 47-year-old added, and it will give the team’s younger players a chance to get some series experience.

With several elite spinners, Sri Lanka is a formidable opponent. This series, we’ll experiment with different lineups, and I’m excited to watch how players adjust to new roles. It’s a chance to test bowlers at the beginning and end of the innings, as well as batters in various positions,” Sawyer continued.

New Zealand squad for series against Sri Lanka

Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing (ODIs only), Polly Inglis (ODIs only), Bella James, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair (T20Is only), Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe (ODIs only), Izzy Sharp (T20Is only).