Devine, Kerr, Tahuhu return for Australia three-match T20I series

Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu return to the New Zealand squad which will play against Australia in the three-match T20I series commencing from March 21. Meanwhile, Suzie Bates shall continue as the interim captain of the side after the 1-1 series draw against Sri Lanka which concluded earlier today. Isabella Gaze remains sidelined due to her hip flexor sprain.

Devine, 35, returns to cricket following a break from international and domestic cricket which she had taken in January to prioritise her well-being. The all-rounder missed the Dream11 Super Smash, Women's Premier League and the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka.

Kerr, who was part of the winning Mumbai Indians squad in the WPL, returns to feature for the white ferns having not made an appearance for them since the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Dubai last year. The third senior returning player, Tahuhu, makes a comeback following her recovery from hamstring injuries which had kept her on the sidelines since December.

Bella James and Polly Inglis have also been called up to the squad while Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire and Bree Illing have made way for the set of players.

Speaking on the experienced trio returning to feature for New Zealand, head coach Ben Sawyer was 'stoked' to have the three players back and labelled Devine 'an asset for any team'.

"We're stoked to have Soph, Melie and Lea back for this series. They're three key players who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the group.

"Soph's had some time away from the game and is now in a space where she's looking forward to getting back out on the park. Everyone knows the power she possesses and what an asset she is to any team, so we're really pleased to have her back for what we know will be a competitive series."

The three-match series shall be played as part of a double-header with the women's series being played in the day while the New Zealand men's team shall continue their five-match T20I series against Pakistan in the evening, which the hosts currently lead 2-0.

The three games shall be played in Auckland, Tauranga, and Wellington.

@B0$ Suzie Bates (C), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu