New Zealand have received a significant boost ahead of their T20I series against Australia, with captain Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu returning to the squad .

New Zealand's squad for the T20I series against Australia sees the return of key players Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu, marking a strong boost for the team as they close out their 2024-25 home summer. Devine, who took a well-being break, is eager to return, saying, "It's nice to have had some time to reset and refocus, and I'm really looking forward to getting back out there with the girls." Amelia Kerr, fresh from winning the Purple Cap with Mumbai Indians in the WPL, adds firepower to the squad, while Tahuhu has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in December. Bella James also returns after passing her fitness tests following a quadriceps strain, while Polly Inglis replaces the injured Izzy Gaze. Led by Suzie Bates, the squad will take on Australia in a crucial series that serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his excitement about the return of Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu for the upcoming T20I series against Australia. "We're stoked to have Soph, Melie, and Lea back for this series. They're three key players who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the group," Sawyer said. Wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze remains sidelined due to a hip-flexor sprain, with Polly Inglis continuing as her replacement. Inglis, who played all six games against Sri Lanka, had limited opportunities with the bat in the T20I series. Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Bree Illing make way for the returning trio, as New Zealand looks to field a strong lineup against a formidable Australian side. The three-match series will take place from March 21 to 26 across Auckland, Mount Maunganui, and Wellington, serving as vital preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.