Melie Kerr leads White Ferns to Australia
Eleven players from the White Ferns ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad have been named to face Australia in the three-match T20I series later this month.
Captain Melie Kerr will lead the 15-strong squad that features returning players in off-spinner Eden Carson, pace bowlers Molly Penfold and Hannah Rowe, and batter Bella James.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Carson, who holds 51 caps of international experience, returns to the side following elbow surgery that kept her sidelined since last December, and will bolster the spin department alongside all-rounders Nensi Patel, Flora Devonshire, and Kerr.
Penfold and Rowe return to the New Zealand pace attack following the recent retirements of Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu, while Bella James will strengthen the batting line up following Suzie Bates’ departure.
Rowe, who brings 47 T20I caps of experience, spent time during the winter in Sri Lanka with New Zealand A alongside James, while Penfold recently returned from the Women’s KFC T20 Max in Australia after representing the Sandgate Redcliffe Gators.
Wicket-keeper batter Izzy Gaze was unavailable for selection following surgery to an ongoing thumb injury which will see Polly Inglis take the gloves. Gaze is working towards returning to play in early 2027.
The series will be the WHITE FERNS’ first international assignment of the 2026-27 season and forms an important part of the team's preparations for the inaugural 2027 ICC Women’s Champion Trophy in India.
Dean Brownlie, who has been the White Ferns batting coach for nearly four years, will step in as interim head coach for the tour following Ben Sawyer’s departure.
Brownlie said the tour against the current ICC Women’s T20 World Cup champions was a valuable opportunity.
“We're excited to welcome back Eden, Hannah, Molly, and Bella,” he said.
“There’s a balance of experience and future-focus in this squad and it’s going to be a chance for the group to test themselves against a quality side.
“Competing against the best in the world is always going to be a challenge, but it also provides a lot of opportunities to learn and strengthen skillsets within that.”
Carson emphasised her hunger to return to the international arena.
“To be back in the White Ferns environment is really special,” she said.
“The rehab process has taken a lot of patience, but I've been fortunate to have great support around me and I'm feeling ready to get back out there and contribute.”
The squad depart to Australia on Monday October 12 ahead of the team's warm-up fixture against a Governor General’s XI on Thursday October 15.
All three T20Is against Australia will be hosted at North Sydney Oval, with all matches broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport.
Additional coach support for the series will be announced next week.
White Ferns T20I squad to Australia:
Melie Kerr (C), Wellington
Eden Carson, Otago
Flora Devonshire,Central Districts
Maddy Green, Auckland
Brooke Halliday, Auckland
Bree Illing, Auckland
Polly Inglis, Otago
Bella James, Otago
Jess Kerr,, Wellington
Rosemary Mair Central Districts
Nensi Patel, Northern Districts
Molly Penfold, Auckland
Georgia Plimmer, Wellington
Hannah Rowe,Central Districts
Izzy Sharp, Canterbury
White Ferns v Australia T20I series - North Sydney Oval schedule
Warm Up v Governor-General’s XI - Thurs 15th Oct – 9:05pm NZT
1st T20I - Sun 18th Oct – 9:15pm NZT
2nd T20I - Tues 20th Oct – 9:15pm NZT
3rd T20I - Thurs 22nd Oct – 9:15pm NZT
