Rosemary Mair Returns to Boost New Zealand for T20 World Cup

New Zealand's women's cricket team has received a major boost with the return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Mair, who missed the recent home series against England due to a back injury, will bolster a pace attack that already includes experienced campaigners Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold.

The return of Mair, who has 18 wickets in 24 T20Is, adds depth to New Zealand's bowling options. She will be joined by all-rounders Suzie Bates and Brooke Halliday, who can also contribute with the ball. The spin department will be led by Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson.

Captain Sophie Devine and Bates will be making their ninth T20 World Cup appearance, a testament to their longevity and experience in the international arena. The squad also includes wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who will be making her World Cup debut.

"I'm really pleased with this squad; I think these are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions," said New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer. "Soph [Devine] and Suze [Bates] have a huge amount of tournament experience from World Cups to franchise leagues, so we'll certainly be leaning on that knowledge in what's going to be a pretty intense competition."

New Zealand will face a tough challenge in the World Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 4-14. They have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Before the World Cup, New Zealand will tour Australia for three T20Is in September. They will also play warm-up games against South Africa and England before the start of the tournament proper.

The T20 World Cup will be Devine's last assignment as New Zealand's T20I captain. She has led the team to numerous successes, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal and the 2020 T20 World Cup final.

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