Four WHITE FERNS are in line to make their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup debut next month after being named in New Zealand’s squad for the tournament’s 2025 edition.
Central Hinds Flora Devonshire, Otago Sparks Polly Inglis and Bella James, and Auckland Hearts Bree Illing have earned their maiden World Cup call ups for this year’s tournament hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The 15-strong squad was revealed today by former WHITE FERNS World Cup winning captain Emily Drumm, during an event hosted at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, the former school of Illing and Maddy Green.
Sophie Devine will captain the side in what will be her final outing in the WHITE FERNS ODI shirt, after earlier this year announcing her retirement from the format at the conclusion of the tournament.
The quartet of new faces all made their international debuts in the past summer and recently embarked on the New Zealand A tour of England in June and July.
Left-arm seamer Illing burst onto the international scene claiming four wickets in her debut series against Sri Lanka in March, and the 21-year-old continued her form against England A - claiming the most wickets in the 50-over series and the team’s best figures of four for 64.
Right-handed batter James made her ODI debut against Australia last December after consistently producing strong domestic performances for the Otago Sparks and helping them claim back-to-back Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield titles.
The 26-year-old finished as New Zealand A’s second-highest run scorer in the 50-over series against England, just five runs shy of WHITE FERNS opener Georgia Plimmer.
James’ Otago teammate Inglis will add substance to New Zealand’s batting ranks and offer additional support for regular wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze.
Inglis was among the top run-scorers during the HBJ Shield and played a key knock (86) in the Sparks grand final victory.
Left-arm spinning all-rounder Devonshire cemented her one-day credentials with ball and bat in the past domestic summer - the 21-year-old claiming 18 wickets at 17.5 during the HBJ Shield, including a career-best five for 22, while amassing 266 runs, and scores of 73* and 72.
Devonshire’s inclusion means there’s no room for Fran Jonas, while Lauren Down, Molly Penfold, and Hannah Rowe also miss out after featuring in the recent home summer.
WHITE FERNS ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Squad
Sophie Devine (C) Wellington Blaze
Suzie Bates Otago Sparks
Eden Carson Otago Sparks
Flora Devonshire* Central Hinds
Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze
*Maiden senior World Cup selection
As well as the four players attending their maiden senior ICC event, Eden Carson and Gaze will also be attending their first 50-over World Cup.
WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer saluted the players selected.
“A huge congratulations to all 15 players named to represent New Zealand at this World Cup,” said Sawyer.
“I’d like to especially acknowledge the four players set for their first World Cup - they’ve all earned this opportunity and I’m excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament.
“I’m really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we’ve got the right mix to tackle what we’ll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition.”
Sawyer said it wasn’t a straightforward squad to pick.
“It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls.
“Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favour of Flora was a tough decision. We know Fran is a quality player and at 21 we believe she still has her best years in front of her."
Sawyer outlined the skills the World Cup first-timers offered.
“Bree puts batters under pressure early with her swing and has great ability with the new ball.
“Her and Flora have both shown they can consistently bring the stumps into play, which will be effective in the conditions we’re going to face.
“Flora’s got an attacking mind and skillset with the bat, which is valuable down the order.
“Bella‘s a versatile batter who can hit 360 degrees around the ground and can bat in most places in the line up.
“Polly gives us another option with the gloves within the squad, and she possesses great grit and determination, which are qualities that will be important in trying conditions.”
Sawyer said the WHITE FERNS were as ready for this World Cup as they will ever be.
“I can honestly say that in the four world events I’ve been part of with this group, we are the best prepared we’ve ever been.
“Having no international cricket in our calendar since April has given us the ability to work really hard on our physical skills in particular, which is something that could be the difference in India.”
The squad depart to the UAE on September 13 for a pre-tournament camp which includes two unofficial warm-up matches against England.
All ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport New Zealand.
Live scoring will be available at nzc.nz and the NZC App.
Match 1 v Australia - Indore - October 1 - 10.30pm
Semi-Final 1 - Guwahati/Colombo - October 29 - 10.30pm
