New Zealand Cricket (NZC) revealed on Saturday that White Ferns captain Sophie Devine would miss the ODI series against Australia. Northern Districts Spirit batter Kate Anderson has been called in as a substitute for Devine, who will leave the ODI squad to return home to Wellington. Devine was unable to play in the final two G.J. Gardner Homes T20s against Australia due to exhaustion, and she has been granted permission to rest. The decision was taken in Devine’s best interests, according to White Ferns head coach Bob Carter.
“This is about prioritising Sophie’s needs first, as I said earlier this week,” Carter said in an official statement.
Carter has announced that Northern Districts batswoman Kate Anderson will join the team, with White Ferns vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite taking over as captain in Sophie’s absence.
“Amy did an outstanding job in the last two T20s and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role,” Carter said.
“Kate will have the chance to play for the White Ferns for the first time. She got along swimmingly with the New Zealand XI in Queenstown earlier this summer, and we’re excited to have her at The Mount “Added he.
Meanwhile, after missing the T20 series, Canterbury Magicians seamer Lea Tahuhu has rejoined the team.
Tahuhu has recovered from her hamstring injury and participated completely in Saturday’s preparation.
“It’s nice to have Lea back in the mix; she’s an accomplished player who adds another choice to our bowling attack,” Carter said.
The ODI series between New Zealand and Australia starts on Sunday at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval.