Otago Sparks wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis has earned her maiden call-up to the WHITE FERNS as part of the ODI squad to face India in a three-game series in Ahmedabad later this week.
The uncapped 28-year-old received her first NZC central contract in June following consistent performances with bat and gloves in last season’s domestic competitions and for New Zealand A.
Auckland Hearts batter Lauren Down has also been included in the 15-player squad, after making her return to international cricket in July following a maternity break.
Central Hinds pace-bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested for the series as part of her long-term rehabilitation from a serious back injury sustained earlier this year.
Mair’s bowling loads were managed through the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and it has been determined that further management is needed before she returns to 50-over cricket.
Mair and off-spinner Leigh Kasperek are the only omissions from the squad who competed in the recent T20 World Cup winning campaign in the UAE.
Head coach Ben Sawyer said the selection of Inglis was a nod to the future.
“We’re really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour,” said Sawyer.
“She put her hand up in last season’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England, so it’s a great next step for her.
Sawyer said the tour was an exciting opportunity for the full tour party.
“Touring India is one of the great experiences in world cricket,” he said.
“It’s such a special place to come and I know everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“Alongside trying to win the series, the tour will serve as important preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup in India.”
Yesterday the WHITE FERNS won the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai with a 32-run win over South Africa.
“It’s been an amazing 24 hours for this group becoming T20 World Cup champions,” said Sawyer.
“We’re relishing the win but when we get to India we’ll need to refocus and set our sights on the next challenge.”
WHITE FERNS ODI squad for India
Sophie Devine (C) Wellington Blaze
Suzie Bates Otago Sparks
Eden Carson Otago Sparks
Lauren Down Auckland Hearts
Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts
Polly Inglis* Otago Sparks
Fran Jonas Auckland Hearts
Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze
Molly Penfold Wellington Blaze
Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze
Hannah Rowe Central Hinds
Lea Tahuhu Canterbury Magicians
*Uncapped
The squad departed to Ahmedabad from Dubai on Monday 21 October local time following the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The WHITE FERNS ODI series in India can be watched LIVE in New Zealand on Sky Sport, with live scoring at nzc.nz & the NZC App.
-ENDS-
WHITE FERNS ODI tour to India schedule
1st ODI – Thursday 24 October – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – 9pm NZT
2nd ODI – Sunday 27 October – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – 9pm NZT
3rd ODI – Tuesday 29 October – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – 9pm NZT
