Maiden call-up for Doughty, Satterthwaite returns, Watkin recalled as NZ name 17-member squad for AUS tour

Deanna Doughty, the leg-spinner, earned her maiden call up while allrounder Jess Watkin and former captain Amy Satterthwaite returned to the New Zealand squad, which will be led by Sophie Devine, for the series against Australia next month, it was announced on Friday (August 27).



“The team is extremely thankful to all those involved in making this tour a reality,” said Devine, whose team will play three ODIs for the Rose Bowl Trophy and an equal number of T20Is – all at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane.



“We hope the upcoming ODI and T20I matches can excite and entertain people in what’s been a tough time for everyone.”



New Zealand’s last international match was in the T20 World Cup earlier this year and Devine made her intentions clear, as the side readies to play for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic.



“We’re definitely going over there to bring back the Rose Bowl,” said the allrounder.



“The team are under no illusions - it’s going to be a tough task taking on a world-class Australian team. We’re an experienced group and having Amy back in the fold only adds to our batting depth and on-field leadership. Every time you pull on the Fern, you do so with pride. The team have prepared well at winter camps and are looking forward to taking on Australia in their own backyard.”



Doughty, who plays for Wellington Blaze in the Super Smash, returned 17 wickets in the last edition, only behind the Kerr sisters, Jess and Amelia and looks certain to make her international debut against the trans-Tasman rivals. Watkin, on the other hand, was the leading run-scorer for Central Hinds and hit second-most sixes in the competition (nine) – only behind Devine (25).



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Satterthwaite, along with the duo, is the only addition to the Kiwis’ T20 World Cup squad, while Leigh Kasperek and Anna Peterson missed out. Kasperek is in the UK and has been unable to travel due to COVID-19, Peterson opted out due to personal reasons.



“We welcome Dee and Jess into the environment and we’re looking forward to working with them over an extended tour period,” said Bob Carter, head coach of the team, before praising Satterthwaite, who returns after her maternity break.



“We are also thrilled to have Amy back fit and ready to play. She has a proven record at the top of the order and has scored heavily against Australia in the past so her experience will be invaluable. The team has been working hard in winter camps over the past few months and it will be good to put what we’ve learnt in those sessions into practice against a top-quality opposition like Australia.”



“We have a slightly bigger squad for this tour given the strict rules and regulations in the current climate. However, the extra time together will be beneficial for the group and their development as cricketers,” he concluded.



Squad: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Natalie Dodd, Deanna Doughty, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Watkin