New Zealand announces Commonwealth Games squad

• Kiwis announced their Commonwealth Games squad with new faces.
• 1998 Men’s Commonwealth Games was played in Kaula Lumpur.
• New Zealand will face South Africa in their opening game.

New Zealand announced the squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next month will feature four uncapped players making their international debuts.

With Amy Satterthwaite and Katey Martin’s recent retirements and Lea Tahuhu, Frankie Mackay, and Leigh Kasperek remaining on the outside, the Kiwis have added four new players to their 15-player team.

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Batswoman Georgia Plimmer, spinner Eden Carson, wicketkeepers Izzy Gaze and Jess McFadyen, and seasoned captain Sophie Devine have all been picked to the New Zealand squad.

In 1998, a men’s 50-over version of the Commonwealth Games was played in Kuala Lumpur. Devine was enthusiastic about the possibility of women’s cricket being included.

Read more: PCB announces women’s squad for tri-series, Commonwealth Games

“We can’t wait to get on the plane,” Devine said.

“To be the first women’s cricket team to represent the country at a global event like the Commonwealth Games is truly an honour.

“It’s been great to get the group back together this week at Bay Oval and our new squad members are finding their feet and fitting in well.”

David White, chief executive officer of New Zealand Cricket, believes the reintroduction of cricket to the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic approach to promote the women’s game.

“It’s a terrific time for cricket to be back at the Commonwealth Games – and it’s another excellent development for the women’s and girl’s game, both here and around the world,” he said.

“I’m sure the players are going to love the experience of being part of a wider New Zealand team, and the slightly different context of the Games environment.”

Read more: Pakistan women team qualifies for 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games begin in Edgbaston on July 29, and New Zealand’s first match in the eight-team tournament will be against South Africa the following day.