Cricket

Wicketkeeper Polly Inglis has earned her maiden call-up to New Zealand's ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against India. The 28-year-old has impressed with her performances for Otago Sparks in the Women's Super Smash and was rewarded with her first New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract earlier this year.Inglis' inclusion is the only change to the squad that triumphed in the recent Women's T20 World Cup. Fast bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested due to workload management, while offspinner Leigh Kasperek has been omitted.The core of the T20 World Cup-winning team remains intact, with Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu all part of the touring party. Devine will continue to lead the side in ODIs after stepping down as T20I captain following the World Cup.Inglis' strong domestic performances have earned her a well-deserved spot in the national squad. She was the second-highest run-scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023-24, amassing 324 runs at an average of 54 and a strike rate close to 80. She also scored a century in the three-match one-day series between New Zealand A and England A."We're really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour," said NZC selector Ben Sawyer. "She put her hand up in last season's Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England, so it's a great next step for her."The three ODIs against India, to be played in Ahmedabad, are part of the Women's Championship. New Zealand currently sit sixth on the table and will face Australia in a three-match series following the India tour. The top five teams plus hosts India will qualify directly for the Women's ODI World Cup next year.

New Zealand Women's cricket team has announced its 17-member squad for the 2024-25 season, with the return of batter Lauren Down and the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis.Down, who has played 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is for New Zealand, declined a contract offer last season due to maternity leave. However, she has been recalled to the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of England and has now accepted a central contract.Inglis, on the other hand, has earned her maiden central contract after impressing for New Zealand A and in the NZC Women's One Day Competition. She scored 103 runs in three one-dayers against England A and was the second-highest run-scorer in the domestic 50-over tournament.New Zealand Women's head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad, stating that it comprises players who can contribute significantly over the next 12 months. He emphasized the importance of considering the 2025 ODI World Cup in the selection process.Among the players who held central contracts in 2023-24, wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout has retired from international cricket, while batter Kate Anderson has not been offered a contract.The 2024-25 contracting period begins on August 1, and the players have until June 17 to accept their offers.