Teen Fran Jonas earns maiden call-up; Frances Mackay returns as New Zealand name squad for England ODIs

Brooke Halliday is the only other uncapped player named in the 13-member squad. Suzie Bates, who underwent a surgery on her injured shoulder and is still undergoing rehabilitation, and injured Rosemary Mair weren’t considered for selection. From the squad that toured Australia in September 2020, Deanna Doughty, Lauren Down, Katie Perkins, Holly Huddleston and Jess Watkin have been omitted.

16-year-old left-arm spinner Jonas has had an impressive Hallyburton Johnstone Shield so far with nine wickets to her name from four matches for Auckland Hearts at an average of 16.00 and an economy rate of 3.89. She is currently fourth in the list of leading wicket-takers in the tournament.

“Fran’s an exceptional talent who’s proven she can foot it with our top players. It’s exciting to add a left-arm spinner to our squad and the balance that offers our bowling attack,” Bob Carter, New Zealand head coach, said.

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Allrounder Mackay last played for New Zealand during the T20I series against India at home in 2019 and hasn’t been considered for selection since getting ruled out of the series with an achilles injury. She has scored 244 runs at an average of 40.66 and has taken eight wickets from six matches in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2020-21 season until now.

“Frankie has once again proven her all-round skills in the domestic game and gets another chance at the international level. She is a vastly experienced cricketer and will be an asset with both bat and ball,” Carter added.

Halliday is the second leading run-getter in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield with 264 runs to her name from six matches.

“Brooke’s done a superb job at the top of the order for the Spirit and offers a point of difference as a left-hander,” said Carter. “Brooke and Fran both deserve their call-ups on the back of strong domestic form. This is a great chance for them to come in and develop their games. We’ve selected them for a reason and look forward to welcoming them into the group.”



First match of the ODI series will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on February 23 and the other two ODIs are scheduled to be played at the University of Otago Oval on February 26 and February 28 respectively. England will also play three T20I matches during the tour.

Squad: Sophie Devine (c), Natalie Dodd, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Frances Mackay, Katey Martin (wk), Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite (vc), Lea Tahuhu