Kerr to lead as New Zealand reveal squad for England ODIs

New Zealand's preparations for this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be fine-tuned as the side named a strong squad for the ODI component of next month's tour of England.

Star all-rounder Melie Kerr will once again lead the White Ferns across the white-ball fixtures against England, with the New Zealand skipper named as captain of a 15-player squad for the three ODI contests against Nat Sciver-Brunt's side that start on May 10.

Kerr is joined by a host of experienced teammates that includes sister Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday, while Suzie Bates will also feature as she continues her swansong prior to her retirement at the completion of the T20 World Cup that commences on June 12.

A quartet of younger players are also included in the White Ferns squad, with Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel, Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp all set for their first overseas tour following some impressive efforts during the recent home series with South Africa.

New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer is looking forward to the series against England and believes he has a well balanced squad at his disposal with a good blend of youth and experience.

“We’ve got some exciting young talent in this squad with the likes of Emma, Izzy, Nensi, and Flora, alongside our core group of seasoned campaigners,” he said.

“Our younger players are finding their feet in international cricket but they’ve proved they have what it takes to succeed at this level.

“England is a tough side to beat in their home conditions - so it’s a good chance to test ourselves.

“We’ve made some great gains as a group recently and are coming off the back of a successful home summer so hopefully that gives the team a lot of confidence heading into this series.”

New Zealand's squad for the T20I portion of the England tour and the T20 World Cup will be announced on April 29.

New Zealand squad: Melie Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp

Series schedule:

First ODI: May 10, Durham
Second ODI: May 13, Northampton
Third ODI: May 16, Cardiff