The CENTRAL HINDS have a new face in the WHITE FERNS squad with 18-year-old batter EMMA McLEOD called up for the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka, which starts in Napier and Nelson in early March.

McLEOD had been called up for both the ODI and T20 International squads for the home tour, while HANNAH ROWE joins the team for the one-dayers only and ROSEMARY MAIR returns from injury in time for the T20 Internationals from mi-March, to be played in Christchurch and Dunedin.

McLeod has played only three T20s and 21 one-dayers for the Hinds but is one of three uncapped 'faces for the future' picked in the fresh-look national squad, along with athletic Canterbury 20-year-old Izzy Sharp, who emulates a young Suzie Bates; and 21-year-old Aucklander Bree Illing whose demon yorker and ability to swing the ball into right-handers is well known to the Hinds and other Domestic teams around the circuit.

McLeod has shone all the way along the pathway system, starring for Wairarapa and St Matthew's Collegiate from an early age - leading from the front and winning the national title with her School First XI last summer, by which time she was already playing for the Hinds and CD U19.

PHOTOSPORT

She is already the veteran of two ICC Under 19 World Cups and WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said all three new faces were talented prospects.

“Emma, Bree and Izzy have been identified by Major Association and NZC coaches as players who have the desired competencies and skill sets to be effective in international cricket,” he said.

“Emma’s been in good form in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and her ability to hit through the off-side and run well between the wickets is really valuable.

“Izzy impressed us with how she attacks spin which is something that will come in handy this series.

“And the way Bree attacks the stumps and swings the ball back into the right-hander is really important in the international game. We’re excited to give them an opportunity to perform at the next level.”

McLeod has had a standout youth career | PHOTOSPORT

Sawyer said the aim was to utilise this series to gain experience against quality spin, with an eye to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.

“Sri Lanka’s a tough opposition with a number of world class spinners.

“Facing their spin unit is always a challenge, but it will be great prep for us ahead of the next World Cup. We will try different combinations this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing players adapt to different roles.

“It’s an opportunity to test batters in different positions, and try different bowlers opening up and at the death.”

Suzie Bates will be the interim captain for the series in lieu of Sophie Devine, who is taking a wellbeing break. Melie Kerr is unavailable due to the women's IPL and bowlers Lea Tahuhu and Molly Penfold remain out with injury.

Mair has made steady progress from the elbow injury she picked up during the Dream11 Super Smash and has been selected on the basis that she should be ready to go by 14 March, with Tahuhu potentially available for the following series against Australia.

McLeod has been selected fresh off a strong Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign for the Central Hinds, averaging 42 and among the top runscorers in the competition, despite missing a chunk of the season due to the U19 World Cup in Malaysia and missing the last two rounds over the weekend in Dunedin, for which she was unavailable for selection.

Now one of the most experienced players in the squad, Rowe gets her one-day spot fresh from becoming just the fourth Central Hind to achieve 100 one-day caps in List A one-dayers for the team.

 

 

 

 

 

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Sri Lanka

 

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Chemist Warehouse ODI Series

 

2PM Tuesday 4 March • McLean Park, Napier

11AM Friday 7 March • Saxon Oval, Nelson

11AM  Sunday 9 March • Saxton Oval, Nelson

 

Life Direct T20I Series

 

7.15PM Friday 14 March • Hagley Oval, Christchurch

10.15AM Sunday 16 March • Hagley Oval, Christchurch

(Doubleheader with BLACKCAPS)

10.15AM Tuesday 18 March • University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

(Doubleheader with BLACKCAPS)

 

 

Article added: Tuesday 25 February 2025