New Zealand Women have named a strong 13-member squad for the upcoming one-day international series against India at home.
Katie Perkins, who last featured in an ODI back in November 2017 against Pakistan Women in Sharjah, has been recalled for the three-match ODI series, which will also be a part of the ICC Women's Championship.
Head coach Haidee Tiffen said Perkins had earned her way back into the side. "Katie brings with her a lot of experience. She is an outstanding fielder and will be a valuable asset to our middle-order batting,” Tiffen said.
There they are! Your WHITE FERNS squad for the upcoming ODI series against India. We can't wait... #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/cgXbjPfMVp
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) January 10, 2019
Perkins, 30, said she was "stoked to be back" in the mix. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and can’t thank enough those who have supported me over the past 12 months – in particular my two families, those that are blood-related and also the Auckland Hearts whanau.”
Also recalled is Lauren Down, who made her debut against the Windies in March 2018. In the absence of wicket-keeper batter Katey Martin, who is unavailable due to work commitments, New Zealand have said Bernadine Bezuidenhout will wear the gloves. Bezuidenhout was part of the recent ICC Women's World T20 2018 but did not keep.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Bernie to showcase her skills with the gloves. While we will miss the experience of Katey, this is a good chance to build some depth behind the stumps,” Tiffen said.
During the same time, New Zealand's men's side will be hosting India for a five-match ODI and three-match Twenty20 International series.
The coach added that her team are "excited" to face India but they "won’t be taking them lightly", and the double-headers alongside the men's series would be "massive" for White Ferns.
“India will be a big challenge but one we are walking towards and excited to take on. They are a quality side with power hitting throughout their batting order and some world-class spinners. We won’t be taking them lightly," Tiffen said.
"The chance to play double-headers alongside the BLACKCAPS is massive for us. The team are buzzing for it and want to put their best foot forward and play a brand of cricket all New Zealand can be proud of."
The side will be led by Amy Satterthwaite, and the three ODIs will be played in Napier, Mount Maunganui and Hamilton on 24 and 25 January, and 1 February. The teams will then play three T20Is on 6, 8 and 10 February.
The squad will meet on 21 January, ahead of their first ODI in Napier.
Squad: Amy Satterthwaite (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
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