Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates return to White Ferns for South Africa T20s

Former captain Sophie Devine returns to the White Ferns squad, along with veteran batter Suzie Bates, for this month’s T20 series against South Africa.

Devine, Bates, Georgia Plimmer and Flora Devonshire were all unavailable for the current series against Zimbabwe, which finishes on Wednesday.

Bates has recovered from a quad injury, Devonshire a broken finger and Plimmer a shoulder injury.

The five-match series, which includes double-headers with the Black Caps and Proteas, starts in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.

Devine is set to make her return to the side for the first time since the World Cup in India in October, as the White Ferns continue their preparation to defend their title at the Twenty20 World Cup in England later this year.

New Zealand are ranked fourth in T20 cricket, with South Africa fifth.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said the injection of Bates and Devine’s experience could only do good things for the team.

“Their quality on the field really does speak for itself but what they bring to the group culturally is really important for us as a team. I’m looking forward to having them mix in with some of the newer members of the squad.”

Sawyer expressed his excitement at having Plimmer available again.

“Her role at the top of the order is a key one and it’ll be great to have her back as we continue to build toward that World Cup later in the year.”

The squad features 15 players, with the Auckland Hearts’ Bree Illing and the Otago Sparks’ Polly Inglis making way for Devonshire and the Canterbury Magicians’ Lea Tahuhu after the first two T20Is.

White Ferns T20 squad v South Africa

Melie Kerr (c) – Wellington Blaze, Suzie Bates – Otago Sparks, Sophie Devine – Wellington Blaze, Flora Devonshire** – Central Hinds, Izzy Gaze – Auckland Hearts, Maddy Green – Auckland Hearts, Brooke Halliday – Auckland Hearts, Bree Illing* – Auckland Hearts, Polly Inglis* – Otago Sparks, Jess Kerr – Wellington Blaze, Rosemary Mair – Central Hinds, Nensi Patel – Northern Brave, Georgia Plimmer – Wellington Blaze, Izzy Sharp – Canterbury Magicians, Lea Tahuhu** – Canterbury Magicians, *first two T20s only

** last three T20s only

Schedule

Sunday March 15, first T20 International, Bay Oval

Tuesday March 17, second T20I, Seddon Park

Friday March 20, third T20I,Eden Park

Sunday March 22, fourth T20I, Hnry Stadium (Wgtn)

Wednesday March 25, fifth T20I, Hagley Oval

– RNZ