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How to tune into Sport NationFour players earn maiden call-ups for White Ferns' ODI World Cup squad
Sport Nation • September 10th, 2025 2:29 pm
Photo: Chris Symes/Photosport
Four players are set to make their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup debuts next month after being named in New Zealand’s 15-player squad for the 2025 tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Flora Devonshire (Central Hinds), Polly Inglis and Bella James (Otago Sparks), and Bree Illing (Auckland Hearts) have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups, following strong domestic and international form.
The squad was unveiled by former World Cup-winning captain Emily Drumm at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School - alma mater of both Illing and senior batter Maddy Green.
Sophie Devine will captain the White Ferns in what will be her final ODI tournament, having announced her retirement from the format earlier this year.
The squad blends experience and youth, with senior players like Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Melie Kerr, and Green set to provide a strong backbone.
All four debutants earned their first international caps in the past year and recently toured with New Zealand A in England. Left-arm seamer Illing impressed with a standout 4-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in March and finished as the top wicket-taker for NZ A in their 50-over series against England.
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Top-order batter Bella James debuted against Australia last December and backed it up with strong performances on the A tour, finishing just five runs behind opener Georgia Plimmer in the run charts.
Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis brings depth behind the stumps and consistency with the bat, having starred in the Otago Sparks’ HBJ Shield-winning campaign, including a crucial 86 in the final.
Left-arm spinning all-rounder Flora Devonshire had a breakthrough domestic season, taking 18 wickets at 17.5 and scoring two unbeaten 70+ knocks. Her selection sees young spinner Fran Jonas miss out, alongside Molly Penfold, Lauren Down, and Hannah Rowe.
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer said the squad strikes the right balance for subcontinental conditions.
“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.”
He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving out players like Jonas, but praised the attributes the new faces bring.
“Bree puts batters under pressure early with her swing. Flora’s got an attacking mind and skillset with the bat. Bella’s a versatile batter who can hit 360 degrees, and Polly gives us another wicketkeeping option and brings great grit and determination.”
Sawyer also said the squad is better prepared than ever:
“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 since April allowed us to work hard on physical skills, which could be crucial in India.”
The team departs for a UAE pre-tournament camp on September 13, with two warm-up matches in Bengaluru before the World Cup begins.
White Ferns Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Squad
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire*, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing*, Polly Inglis*, Bella James*, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu
*Maiden senior World Cup selection
