Three CENTRAL HINDS representatives, all already with caps for the WHITE FERNS, have been named in NZC's New Zealand A side to tour England.

Allrounder HANNAH ROWE headlines the pace pack and brings leadership and the wisdom of experience, joined by batting, off-spinning youngsters FLORA DEVONSHIRE (above, PHOTOSPORT) and EMMA McLEOD in a 15-strong squad that will set off for England this weekend.

There is also a call-up for former Central Hinds spinning allrounder, now Northern Brave captain Jess Watkin for a trip comprising three List A one-dayers followed by three T20s against England A (scroll down for schedule and full squad).

The tour is the 'return leg' of last year's series that saw women's A bilateral series reintroduced to the NZC women’s pathway, a series in which the now-retired MIKAELA GREIG led NZ A to a one-day series win and gained WHITE FERNS selection.

Hannah Rowe | PHOTOSPORT

The A programme aims to provide elevated playing opportunities to emerging WHITE FERNS and promising Domestic talent. 

McLeod, 19, and Devonshire, 22, made their respective WHITE FERNS debuts during the home series against Sri Lanka late last season.

Devonshire's left-arm point of difference makes her a valuable commodity in the women's game while McLeod has already ticked off two U19 World Cup campaigns for New Zealand U19 as well as her full international debut before the age of 20.

Packing her bags again - Emma McLeod | PHOTOSPORT

NZC Head of Women’s High Performance, CD Alumna LIZ GREEN said A tours provide invaluable learning opportunities.

“We’re really excited to be sending this group of talented players to England,” she said. 

“They’ll get the chance to further their game by facing a strong opponent in different conditions whilst getting a taste for what international touring is like.

“Generating elevated playing opportunities [like this] is key for building experience and depth. It’s also an opportunity for us to assess high-potential players at the next level, and test their readiness for international cricket.” 

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Canterbury men’s assistant coach Brendon Donkers will lead the New Zealand A coaching unit, with support from WHITE FERNS assistant coach Craig McMillan and Northern Brave women’s coach and CD Alumnus, Peter Borren. 

Donkers will name the team’s captain once the squad has assembled in England. The squad will depart this Saturday, with their first One Day match in Derby on 23 June.

Live match coverage of the tour is yet to be confirmed.

 

2025 Tour of England

* Capped WHITE FERN

Central Hinds

Flora Devonshire*

Emma McLeod*

Hannah Rowe*

Northern Districts

Nensi Patel

Jess Watkin*

Auckland Hearts

Izzy Gaze* - wicketkeeper

Amie Hucker

Bree Illing*

Molly Penfold*

Wellington Blaze

Georgia Plimmer*

Canterbury Magicians

Izzy Sharp*

Otago Sparks

Emma Black

Anna Browning

Polly Inglis*

Bella James*

2025 ONE-DAY SERIES

v ENGLAND A

SCHEDULE

10PM NZT Monday, June 23 • County Ground, Derby

10PM NZT Thursday, 26 June • County Ground, Derby

10PM NZT Sunday, 29 June • County Ground, Chelmsford

2025 T20 SERIES 

v ENGLAND A

SCHEDULE

1.30AM NZT Saturday, 6 July • County Ground, Chelmsford (Friday UK time)

1.30AM Monday, 7 July • Kent County Ground, Beckenham (Sunday UK time)

1.30AM NZT Wednesday 9 July • Kent County Ground, Beckenham (Tuesday UK time)

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Article added: Wednesday 11 June 2025