Otago Sparks top-order batter Bella James has been named in the WHITE FERNS 13-strong squad to face Australia in a three-match Chemist Warehouse ODI series in Wellington next week.
James, who has represented the Otago Sparks 137 times since 2014, has been rewarded following strong domestic form.
The right-handed opener currently sits second on the Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield run-scoring charts with 293 runs after five games, including a match-winning century against last year's runners up the Wellington Blaze late last month.
The 25-year-old’s call up follows the news last month that WHITE FERNS opening batter Georgia Plimmer had sustained a bone stress reaction in her left hip, ruling her out of cricket until next year.
The hosts will also be without their top ODI wicket-taker Lea Tahuhu, after the Canterbury Magicians fast bowler sustained a grade two hamstring tear during Round 2 of the HBJ Shield.
Tahuhu is expected to be fit by early January and will make her return in the Dream11 Super Smash competition.
Central Hinds pace bowler Rosemary Mair returns to the squad for her first ODI series since 2022, following her withdrawal from the squad that faced England last summer due to a back injury.
Mair, the WHITE FERNS second-highest wicket-taker at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, did not feature in the recent ODI series in India as further injury management was required before returning to 50-over cricket.
This series will mark the first time since 2020 that the two sides are competing for the Rose Bowl trophy, which currently sits in the hands of the visitors.
Record crowds are set to be in attendance, with a surge in ticket reservations since NZC announced the 1st ODI would be Free Entry to mark the WHITE FERNS first match on home soil since becoming World Champions.
WHITE FERNS selector Sarah Tsukigawa said James’ domestic form and dynamic batting abilities earned her place in the squad.
“We’re really excited to give Bella her first call-up to international cricket,” said Tsukigawa.
“She’s been working hard at the domestic level for many years, and her current form in HBJ shows why she deserves this opportunity.
“Bella’s ability to hit 360 degrees around the ground with power is a valuable quality.”
Tsukigawa said introducing new players to the team can help build positive competition.
“It’s exciting to be introducing another batter into the WHITE FERNS mix.
“We see that if there can be more competition for roles, that will continue to raise the quality of the group.
“We’re gutted to not have Georgia or Lea for this series but injuries do create opportunities to explore how other players could fit in.”
WHITE FERNS ODI Squad
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
Bella James* Otago Sparks
Fran Jonas Auckland Hearts
Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze
Rosemary Mair Central Hinds
Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts
*Potential international debut
Recently reappointed head coach Ben Sawyer will be supported by regular assistant coaches Dean Brownlie and Craig McMillan.
The WHITE FERNS assemble in Wellington tomorrow ahead of the 1st ODI on Thursday.
Matches will be broadcast live on TVNZ+, DUKE and Sport Nation, and live scored at nzc.nz and the NZC App.
