Polly Inglis earns maiden call-up, Lauren Down returns, as New Zealand announces squad for India ODIs

For the three-match ODIs against India that starts on Thursday, October 24, wicketkeeper Polly Inglis has been called up for the first time. Earlier this year, the 28-year-old secured her first central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and plays for the Otago Sparks in the Women’s Super Smash. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host all three games.

After returning from maternity leave in July, batter Lauren Down was also included in the 15-woman team. The only changes made to the team that contributed to New Zealand’s historic victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, October 20, were these two.

Offspinner Leigh Kasperek failed to hold onto her position, while speedster Rosemary Mair, who was a member of the winning team, has been rested in consideration of her workload management after returning from a significant back injury.

The talismanic Sophie Devine, who declared she would step down as captain of the T20 team following the World Cup victory, will once again lead the White Ferns. The team includes seasoned athletes like Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates.

One of the best cricketing experiences in the world is touring India: Ben Sawyer

Inglis first secured a contract and later a spot on the national squad thanks to her steady performances in the home circuit. With an average of 54 and a strike rate of about 80, she accumulated 324 runs, which was the second-most in the 50-over Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023–24. She primarily batted in the middle order. She also led the White Ferns to a 2-1 victory and scored 103 in the three-match, one-day series between England A and New Zealand A.

We can’t wait to present Polly on her debut tour. In a NZC statement, head coach Ben Sawyer said, “It’s a great next step for her because she put her hand up in last season’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England.”

“One of the best cricketing experiences in the world is visiting India. “I know everyone is eager for the challenge ahead, and it’s such a special place to come,” he continued.

Also Read: IND-W vs NZ-W 2024: Schedule for ODIs announced

The Women’s Championship includes the three ODIs. With a three-match series against trans-Tasman rivals Australia looming, New Zealand is presently ranked sixth in the points standings. The top five teams including the host nation, India, will advance straight to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.