Polly Inglis earns maiden call-up as New Zealand women name squad for India ODIs

Polly Inglis has been named in the New Zealand Women's squad for their India tour, marking her debut in a 15-member squad. The series serves as vital preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

In Short

• Polly Inglis earns maiden call-up to New Zealand Women's cricket team
• Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his excitement over her selection
• Inglis' selection follows impressive performances in domestic cricket

Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis has earned her maiden call-up to the New Zealand Women's cricket team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, set to begin in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The 28-year-old's selection comes after a series of impressive performances for Otago Sparks in the women's Super Smash and New Zealand A, which also earned her a New Zealand Cricket central contract earlier this year.

Inglis, who has been noted for her consistency both behind the stumps and with the bat, is expected to make her debut as part of a 15-member squad. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his excitement over her selection, saying, "We’re really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour. 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."

Inglis' inclusion is one of the key talking points of the squad, which largely mirrors the team that recently secured a historic Women's T20 World Cup title in Dubai. Rosemary Mair, recovering from a serious back injury, and off-spinner Leigh Kasperek are the only notable omissions from that victorious side.

The series in India was seen as crucial preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup, also to be held in India. Coach Sawyer highlighted the significance of the tour, stating, "Touring India is one of the great experiences in world cricket. Alongside trying to win the series, the tour will serve as important preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup."

The squad also sees the return of batter Lauren Down, who resumed international cricket in July following a maternity break. New Zealand will look to build on their World Cup-winning momentum, with Sawyer adding, "It’s been an amazing 24 hours for this group becoming T20 World Cup champions. We’re relishing the win, but when we get to India, we’ll need to refocus and set our sights on the next challenge."

New Zealand Women's ODI Squad:
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (WK), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

The series opener in Ahmedabad marks the beginning of a crucial phase for the team as they fine-tune their preparations for the ODI World Cup.