Polly Inglis Receives First NZ Call-Up as Lauren Down Returns for India ODIs

New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming One Day Internationals against India, marking the inclusion of batter Polly Inglis, who earns her maiden call-up. Lauren Down also returns to the team after a maternity break in July, making her part of the only change from the squad that secured New Zealand's first Women's T20 World Cup title.

Fast bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested to manage her workload following a serious back injury, while offspinner Leigh Kasperek has been omitted from the lineup. However, the core of the T20 World Cup-winning team remains intact, featuring veterans Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu. Devine will captain the squad in the ODIs after stepping down as T20I captain post-World Cup.

Inglis has impressed with her domestic performances, earning her spot on the national team. She scored 324 runs—second-most in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023-24—averaging 54 with a strike rate of nearly 80, primarily from the middle order. Additionally, she made a significant contribution with a score of 103 in a recent one-day series where New Zealand A triumphed over England A 2-1.

"We're thrilled to have Polly join us for her first tour," said coach Ben Sawyer in a NZC statement. "Her performances in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the New Zealand A series have been outstanding, making this a well-deserved opportunity."

Touring India is considered one of the premier experiences in world cricket, and the squad is eager to take on this challenge.