New Zealand announce youthful squad for ODI series vs England

Published - 27 Apr 2026, 15:26 IST | Updated - 27 Apr 2026, 15:35 IST

New Zealand have announced a 15-player squad for their One Day International (ODI) series in England. The three-match series will commence on Sunday, May 10, at the Riverside Ground in Durham.

The White Ferns have been in good form ahead of their series in the United Kingdom. They defeated both Zimbabwe and South Africa at home to maintain an unbeaten start to the 2026 calendar year.

New Zealand are bringing a relatively inexperienced squad for their series against England. Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel, Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp are all named for an overseas series for the first time in their respective careers. With a combined average age of just under 22, the White Ferns certainly have an eye on the future and giving them enough experience against the 2017 world champions.

"England is a tough side to beat in their home conditions - so it's a good chance to test ourselves. We've got some exciting young talent in this squad with the likes of Emma, Izzy, Nensi, and Flora, alongside our core group of seasoned campaigners. Our younger players are finding their feet in international cricket but they've proved they have what it takes to succeed at this level,” coach Ben Sawyer was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

The New Zealand squad also has top-order batter, Suzie Bates, in the squad in what will be the last time she will compete in the 50-overs format. The 38-year-old announced her international retirement after the upcoming T20 World Cup in England.

The ODI series between the two sides comes ahead of a T20I series, which will be perfect preparation for the showpiece tournament, which starts on June 12. New Zealand are expected to announce their squad for the T20I series and the T20 World Cup on Wednesday, April 29.

New Zealand squad for ODI series against England: Melie Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp