Bella James Receives Maiden Call-Up for Australia's ODI Series; Tahuhu Out of Action
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The women's team has announced a 13-member squad to take on Australia in a three-match ODI series in Wellington next week. Bella James, who has played 137 matches for the domestic powerhouse Otago Sparks since 2014, received her first international call-up as recognition for her outstanding domestic form.
The right-handed opener currently ranks second on the Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield run-scoring list with 293 runs after five matches, which includes a crucial century against the Wellington Blaze, last year's finalists, late last month. The 25-year-old was called up following the announcement that New Zealand Women's opening batter Georgia Plimmer has a bone stress reaction in her left hip, sidelining her until next year.
Additionally, the hosts will miss their leading ODI wicket-taker Lea Tahuhu, who suffered a grade two hamstring tear during Round 2 of the HBJ Shield. Tahuhu is anticipated to return by early January and will rejoin the squad for the Dream11 Super Smash competition, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket in a statement on Saturday.
Pace bowler Rosemary Mair makes her comeback to the squad for her first ODI series since 2022, having previously withdrawn from the squad that played against England last summer due to a back injury. Mair, who was the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, did not participate in the recent ODI series in India as she needed further injury management before returning to 50-over cricket.
This series will be significant as it marks the first time since 2020 that the two teams will compete for the Rose Bowl trophy, currently held by the visiting side.
New Zealand Women’s selector Sarah Tsukigawa stated that James' domestic performance and her dynamic batting skills have secured her place in the squad.
“We’re thrilled to offer Bella her first international cricket opportunity,” Tsukigawa remarked. “She has worked diligently at the domestic level for several years, and her current HBJ form illustrates why she deserves this chance. Bella’s capacity to hit in 360 degrees around the field with power is a significant asset,” she added.
Tsukigawa emphasized that bringing in new players fosters healthy competition. “We’re excited to welcome another batter into the WHITE FERNS setup. We believe that increased competition for positions will enhance the quality of the team,” she stated.
“While we are disappointed to be without Georgia and Lea for this series, injuries present opportunities to assess how other players can contribute,” she continued.
The recently re-appointed head coach Ben Sawyer will be supported by regular assistants Dean Brownlie and Craig McMillan. The squad will gather in Wellington tomorrow in preparation for the first ODI on Thursday.
New Zealand Women ODI Squad:
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold.
