Wellington, New Zealand - Exciting news for cricket fans as Bella James, a top-order batter, has been added to the New Zealand Women's ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia. This series will take place in Wellington, starting on December 19.
Bella James has been recognized for her outstanding performance in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, where she scored 293 runs. Her selection comes as Georgia Plimmer is unable to play due to a bone stress reaction in her left hip, which will keep her out of action until next year.
White Ferns selector Sarah Tsukigawa expressed excitement about Bella's first international call-up, highlighting her hard work and ability to hit powerfully around the ground. Tsukigawa believes Bella's current form makes her a valuable addition to the team.
Lea Tahuhu, the top ODI wicket-taker for the White Ferns, will miss the series due to a hamstring injury. However, Rosemary Mair returns to the squad after recovering from a back injury. Mair was a standout performer in New Zealand's T20 World Cup 2024 victory.
The ODI series is part of the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25. Australia currently leads the points table, while New Zealand is in sixth place. All matches will be held at Wellington's Basin Reserve, with games scheduled for December 19, 21, and 23.
The squad includes Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Molly Penfold.
Bella James is a cricket player who has been chosen to play for the New Zealand Women's team. She is known for playing well in domestic cricket matches.
ODI stands for One Day International, which is a type of cricket match that lasts for one day. Each team gets to bat for a set number of overs, usually 50.
This is the national team that represents New Zealand in women's cricket matches. They play against other countries' teams.
Australia is a country and they have their own women's cricket team. New Zealand will be playing against them in this series.
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. The cricket matches will be played there.
Georgia Plimmer is another cricket player who was supposed to play in the series but can't because she is injured.
Sarah Tsukigawa is a selector, which means she helps choose which players will be on the cricket team. She praised Bella James for her skills.
Lea Tahuhu is a cricket player who will not be playing in this series because she is injured.
Rosemary Mair is a cricket player who is returning to the New Zealand Women's team for this series.
This is a tournament where women's cricket teams from different countries compete against each other. The matches between New Zealand and Australia are part of this championship.
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