New Zealand Unveils Young Squad for ODI Series Against England

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

The White Ferns are showing strong performance ahead of their UK series. They recently defeated Zimbabwe and South Africa at home, remaining unbeaten in 2026.

New Zealand is fielding a relatively young squad for this series. Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel, Emma McLeod, and Izzy Sharp are each called up for their first overseas series. With an average age just below 22, the team is focused on the future, aiming to give these players experience against the 2017 world champions.

“England is a tough side to beat at home, so it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves. We have exciting young talent in Emma, Izzy, Nensi, and Flora, along with our more experienced players. Our younger players are adapting to international Cricket and they’ve shown they can succeed at this level,” said coach Ben Sawyer, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

The New Zealand squad also includes veteran top-order batter Suzie Bates, who will compete in 50-over matches for the last time. The 38-year-old has announced her intent to retire from international cricket after the upcoming T20 World Cup in England.

This ODI series precedes a T20I series, which will serve as preparation for the major tournament starting on June 12. New Zealand is 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

England vs New Zealand white-ball schedule