Bates and Devine Return to New Zealand Women's T20I Squad for South Africa Series

Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, two of New Zealand's most experienced cricketers, have been named in the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. Bates returns after recovering from a quad tear, while Devine features for the first time since retiring from ODIs following the World Cup in India last October.

Other players back from injury include Flora Devonshire, who missed the World Cup due to a broken finger, and Georgia Plimmer, sidelined by a shoulder issue during the recent Zimbabwe series. Their returns bolster the team's preparations for defending their title at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England later this year.

Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed enthusiasm about the reinforcements. "We're really excited to welcome back Suzie and Sophie for this next block of games," he said. "Their quality on the field really does speak for itself but what they bring to the group culturally is really important for us as a team. I'm looking forward to having them mix in with some of the newer members of the squad."

Sawyer also highlighted Plimmer's importance. "It was unfortunate to have Georgia miss out on most of the Zimbabwe series with her shoulder, so the whole group is glad to have her back. Her role at the top of the order is a key one and it'll be great to have her back as we continue to build toward that World Cup later in the year."

For Devonshire, Sawyer noted the challenges of her recent injuries. "Flora had a couple of back-to-back injuries that has kept her out of the squad for the last little while which is never nice as a player. It's really pleasing to be able to have her back in the group, fit and firing for when we need her," he added.

The 15-player squad includes some rotation: Bree Illing and Polly Inglis will play the first two T20Is, making way for Devonshire and Lea Tahuhu in the last three. This strategy aims to provide more players with match experience ahead of the World Cup. "As we can only take 13 at a time in our squads, we're having a few moving parts to try and get more of our players involved in what is an important series ahead of the World Cup," Sawyer explained.

The series will be played as double-headers with the men's matches, starting at Bay Oval in Tauranga on March 15.

New Zealand Squad: Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire**, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing*, Polly Inglis*, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu**.
*First two T20Is only
**Last three T20Is only