Devine, Kerr, and Tahuhu Make Their Comeback for Three-Match T20I Series Against Australia | Cricbuzz.com

**AUSTRALIA WOMEN’S TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND, 2025**

**Devine, Kerr, and Tahuhu Set to Strengthen New Zealand for T20I Series Against Australia**

**Authored by Cricbuzz Staff**

Suzie Bates is poised to make her first appearance for the New Zealand team since January © Getty.

New Zealand’s formidable trio—Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu—are set to rejoin the squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, beginning on March 21. Suzie Bates will maintain her role as interim captain following a recently concluded 1-1 series draw against Sri Lanka. However, Isabella Gaze will be absent due to a hip flexor sprain.

The 35-year-old Sophie Devine returns to the pitch after taking a sabbatical from both international and domestic cricket in January to focus on personal well-being. Her hiatus included missing the Dream11 Super Smash, the Women’s Premier League, and the recent series against Sri Lanka.

Amelia Kerr, who recently celebrated a victorious stint with the Mumbai Indians in the WPL, is also set for a return. Kerr has not donned the White Ferns jersey since the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Dubai last year. Additionally, Lea Tahuhu emerges from a series of hamstring injuries that sidelined her since December, marking her comeback.

Adding depth to the squad, Bella James and Polly Inglis have been called up, while Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Bree Illing make way for fresh inclusions.

Expressing his delight, head coach Ben Sawyer described the return of the seasoned trio as pivotal, praising Devine as “an asset for any team.”

“We’re thrilled to have Sophie, Melie, and Lea back for this pivotal series. They inject a wealth of experience and leadership into the team. Sophie has taken some time away and is now eager to return to the field. Everyone is aware of her explosive ability and the immense value she brings, so having her back is a significant boost for what promises to be a challenging series.”

The T20I series will be played alongside the ongoing New Zealand men’s five-match T20I series against Pakistan, with the women’s matches scheduled during the day and the men’s fixtures in the evening. Currently, the New Zealand men’s team leads their series 2-0.

The venues for the series are set to be Auckland, Tauranga, and Wellington.

**Squad**: Suzie Bates (C), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu

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