Seventeen-year-old Fran Jonas has been selected as part of the spin attack
“I really felt for Leigh, she’s a very fine bowler,” head coach Bob Carter said. “It was based around the balance of our team. We didn’t have any of the three spinners that have been selected for the World Cup in the UK, and it came down to a choice – would we take an extra spinner or would we take an extra batter, and that created a lot of debate.
“I really feel for her because she’s been a great member of the White Ferns, and it’s at times like that, as a selector or coach, that I wish I could have had another place.”
The rest of the squad has a familiar look with Amelia Kerr and Frankie Mackay completing the spin department. The experienced Lea Tahuhu will lead the pace attack alongside Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr
Maddy Green, Lauren Down and Brooke Halliday take the specialist batting spots while Hayley Jensen fills the seam-bowling allrounder role
“We feel we have a balanced squad providing multiple options with bat and ball to cover the range of conditions we’re likely to face around the country,” Carter said.
“There’s a strong mix of youth and experience in this squad with several players having multiple World Cups under their belt. We also have a younger group coming through, six of which are yet to experience World Cup cricket – and it’s naturally a very exciting time for those players.”
The same 15-player squad will play the five-match ODI series against India in Queenstown
Squad Sophie Devine (capt) Amy Satterthwaite, Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Frankie Mackay, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Source: ESPN Crickinfo