The New Zealand women’s cricket team has been forced into late squad changes ahead of their T20I series against Sri Lanka, with three key players—Izzy Gaze, Bella James, and Hayley Jensen—ruled out due to injuries.
Gaze, who had been a reliable presence behind the stumps, suffered a right thumb injury during the ODI series, while James was sidelined with a grade-two quadricep strain. Jensen’s absence due to a hip flexor injury further weakened the squad, especially in the all-rounder department.
To address these setbacks, New Zealand Cricket has called up wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, known for her steady glovework and ability to contribute with the bat, to replace Gaze. Left-arm seamer Bree Illing, whose recent domestic performances earned her a well-deserved call-up, will step in for Jensen. Meanwhile, all-rounder Flora Devonshire, expected to provide crucial balance in the lower order, replaces James. Both Inglis and Illing made their international debuts during last week’s ODI series.
Inglis, Illing, and Devonshire have all delivered impressive performances in domestic cricket, making strong cases for their inclusion in the squad. Their consistency across formats has highlighted their ability to contribute effectively in both batting and bowling roles.
Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis showcased her reliability in the 2024–25 Women’s Super Smash, accumulating 172 runs in 11 innings and providing stability in the middle order. She was even more impactful in the New Zealand Women’s One Day Competition 2024–25, where she amassed 340 runs in 9 innings, including the highest score of 97.
Left-arm seamer Bree Illing emerged as a standout bowler, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the New Zealand Women’s One Day Competition 2024–25 with 21 wickets in 11 innings. She continued to impress in the shorter format, claiming eight wickets in 10 innings during the Women’s Super Smash.
All-rounder Flora Devonshire has also been a key performer, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the New Zealand Women’s One Day Competition 2024–25 with 18 wickets while also contributing 266 runs. In the 2024–25 Women’s Super Smash, she added four wickets in nine matches and chipped in with 78 runs, further showcasing her versatility.
In the preceding ODI series, New Zealand secured a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka after the first match was abandoned. They dominated the next two games, winning by 78 and 98 runs, respectively, with Maddy Green scoring a century in the second match and Georgia Plimmer replicating the feat in the third.
Building on their ODI success, the White Ferns will now shift their focus to the T20I series, where Sri Lanka will be determined to challenge them in home conditions. With the series set to begin on March 14, New Zealand will need its replacements to adapt quickly and deliver under pressure.
The changes not only test the team’s depth but also offer a golden opportunity for the newcomers to make a mark on the international stage, especially Inglis and Illing, who will be expected to step up in the absence of Gaze and James. Devonshire could also earn her first international cap, offering a fresh option in both batting and bowling.
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