ROSEMARY MAIR is on top of the world.

The Central Hinds seamer earned plenty of plaudits for her influential role as one of the top pace bowlers at the ICC T20 World Cup - lifted for the first time by New Zealand's WHITE FERNS.

Mair was one of the top four wicket-takers across the tournament with 10 victims - a tally that is third equal with Afy Fletcher of the West Indies, behind only teammate Melie Kerr and Nonkululeko Mlaba of South Africa.

But now it's time to catch her breath as the Napier star sits out the WHITE FERNS' next assignment: a quick visit to Ahmedabad, India, to play three bilateral One-Day Internationals before they head home.

Mair has been rested from the ODI series as part of her long-term rehabilitation from the serious back injury sustained earlier this year.

Her bowling loads were managed through the recent T20 World Cup, and it has been determined that further management is needed before she returns to 50-over cricket.

Mair and off-spinner Leigh Kasperek are the only omissions from the squad that competed in the landmark campaign in the UAE, and leaves fellow pace bowler HANNAH ROWE flying the Hinds flag solo in India.

Rowe now requires just two more starts to chalk up 150 List A one-dayers in her overall career and could achieve the milestone on the assignment that starts later this week, with the team already having touched down on the subcontinent.

 

Hannah Rowe | PHOTOSPORT

Veteran Auckland Hearts batter Lauren Down comes into the 15-player squad, having made her return to international cricket in July, following a maternity break.

With her is NZC-contracted Otago Spark Polly Inglis who gets her maiden call-up, and could be making her WHITE FERNS debut on the short tour.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said the mission will provide useful preparation for next year's one-day ICC Women's Cricket World Cup - also in India.

“Touring India is one of the great experiences in world cricket,” Sawyer said.

“It’s such a special place to come to and I know everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead."

The series begins on Thursday, by which time the last strands of ticker tape from Dubai will need to be shaken off after a short burst of well deserved celebrations.

The WHITE FERNS won the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a 32-run win over South Africa on Monday morning, 21 October NZT - capturing the admiration of New Zealand sports fans in the process, after a tough run leading up to the tournament.

It turned into a classic New Zealand underdog story, after tournament favourites Australia and England were knocked out. The WHITE FERNS finished second in their group, then beat the West Indies in a tight Semi-Final to earn their shot at history.

“It’s been an amazing 24 hours for this group becoming T20 World Cup champions,” said Sawyer before the team headed to the airport.

“We’re relishing the win, but when we get to India we’ll need to refocus and set our sights on the next challenge.”

WHITE FERNS

2024 Tour of India

Sophie Devine - captain, Wellington Blaze

Suzie Bates - Otago Sparks

Eden Carson - Otago Sparks

Lauren Down - Auckland Hearts

Izzy Gaze - wicketkeeper, Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green - Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday - Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis - uncapped, Otago Sparks

Fran Jonas - Auckland Hearts

Jess Kerr - Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr - Wellington Blaze

Molly Penfold - Wellington Blaze

Georgia Plimmer - Wellington Blaze

Hannah Rowe - Central Hinds

Lea Tahuhu - Canterbury Magicians

SCHEDULE

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

1st ODI Thursday 24 October

2nd ODI Sunday 27 October

3rd ODI Tuesday 29 October

All matches: 9PM NZT

LIVE COVERAGE

SKY SPORT NZ

Article added: Monday 21 October 2024