Star duo returns to boost White Ferns
Cricket
Fresh off a disappointing first-up result, the White Ferns have received a boost in star power.
Standouts Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine will bolster New Zealand in today’s second T20 against England in Nelson, returning from the Women’s Premier League in India.
The shorthanded White Ferns couldn’t get the job done in the series opener in Dunedin on Tuesday, losing by 27 runs. England posted 160-4, batting first, but the White Ferns’ hopes of winning faded when hometown favourite Suzie Bates fell for 65.
At a glance
What: Second T20 international, White Ferns v England
Where, when: Saxton Oval, Nelson; 1pm
today
Coverage: Live on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, live updates on Stuff from 12.30pm.
White Ferns: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Melie Kerr, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu. England: Heather Knight (capt), Hollie Armitage*, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey+, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone+, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt+, Linsey Smith*, Danni Wyatt+ (*games 1-3 only; +games 4-5 only ).
Devine, who will resume captaincy duties, will have a wide smile on her face after capturing the WPL title with her Royal Challengers Bangalore side. She struck 32 from 27 balls in their eight-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals.
Devine was clearly delighted, celebrating with a cartwheel and by carrying her English team-mate Kate Cross on her back. The result completed a stunning turnaround for RCB, who lost six of their eight matches in the inaugural 2023 season.
Kerr’s Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, lost a thrilling eliminator match to RCB by five runs.
Their attention quickly turns towards England with four T20s to go, followed by three ODIs, starting in Wellington on April 1.
“We’ve known these next 12 months are hugely important for us,’’ Devine said. “Bangladesh [T20 ] World Cup later on this year [in September-October], but the ability to play against England both home and away is going to be really important.
“To help build the team up we need to figure out what our best XI is and the best opportunity to win games of cricket at that World Cup, so taking a bigger-picture focus with this series and the one in England knowing we’ve got a sharp focus towards the World Cup later on.”
England have ample firepower to welcome back shortly too, with Alice Capsey (Delhi Capitals), Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz), Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians) and Danni Wyatt (Warriorz) linking with the team ahead of the fourth T20I.
The history
England and the White Ferns have met in 31 T20Is stretching back to 2004. The Ferns have won just seven of those, and England 24.
Last time they met in a series in New Zealand, England swept it 3-0 in Wellington in 2021.
The odds
After their win in the opening T20, England are deserved $1.65 favourites to take out the second match, with the White Ferns paying $2.15.
The weather
The forecast is looking a little dicey for today, with a few showers developing in the morning, turning to rain in the afternoon. Northerlies develop in the morning. A high of 19C is expected.