New Zealand Women call up uncapped Kate Hefferman and Lauren Down

Kate Heffernan and Lauren Down have been called up for the first time for New Zealand Women’s limited-overs series against West Indies Women at home in March this year.

Heffernan, an 18-year-old left-arm seamer who plays for Otago in the domestic circuit has been named in the 13-member squad for the five Twenty20 Internationals, while Down, the 22-year-old batter from Auckland, has been included in the 13 for the three-match One-Day International series.

Haidee Tiffen, the coach of the team, said that the decision to include the two uncapped players was taken keeping in mind the ICC Women's World Cup 2021, which will be held in New Zealand.

“Both Kate and Lauren are impressive athletes in their own right and will definitely bring that dynamic edge that we’re looking for,” said Tiffen when the squad was announced on 13 February.

“The fact that Kate is a left-armer was certainly a factor in her selection as she will bring that point of difference. We see an immense amount of potential in Kate, particularly as we look ahead a bit further to a World Cup in New Zealand in 2021. Lauren’s been on our radar for a while in both formats and we also think she’s one for the future. She’s explosive with the bat and is a terrific fielder across the park.”

Kate Ebrahim (nee Broadmore), the all-rounder who last turned out for the national team in 2015, makes a return to the ODI fold after a stellar season with Canterbury, while Natalie Dodd, the right-hand batter, and Haley Jensen, the medium pacer, came back to the T20I squad. Both teams will be led by Suzie Bates.

“We’ve picked on form and all three players have stuck their hands up and put in some big performances at times under pressure, which is something we’ve placed real value on,” said Tiffen. “It’s great to have Hayley back in the mix after her successful season with the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Women’s Big Bash League. She’s a quality player and we’re delighted that she’s committed herself to returning to New Zealand to play her cricket.”

Amy Satterthwaite, the ICC’s Women's ODI Player of 2017, Sophie Devine, the hard-hitting all-rounder, Amelia Kerr, the 17-year-old leg-spinner, and Lea Tahuhu, the right-arm pacer, were some of the familiar faces in both squads.

Among the notable omissions were Katie Perkins, who missed selection following limited opportunities after fracturing her thumb in December, and Erin Bermingham, who has taken an indefinite break from the game.

The series starts on 4 March in Christchurch with the first ODI.

ODI squad: Suzie Bates (capt), Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Kate Ebrahim, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu.

T20I Squad: Suzie Bates (c), Sophie Devine, Natalie Dodd, Maddy Green, Kate Heffernan, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu.