Devine, the New Zealand white-ball captain, has been a regular starter for RCB, who will take on Delhi Capitals in the WPL final. While NZC has confirmed Kerr’s availability for the second T20I in Nelson on March 22, it also expects Devine to be available with the duo set to leave India immediately after the WPL final on Sunday.
“It’s obviously disappointing not to have Melie [Kerr] or Sophie with us for the series opener,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “We’ve known that this could be the case for some time now, so we’ve made plans for all scenarios and the positive is that it gives other players an opportunity to test themselves against a strong England side.”
Sawyer also threw his weight behind 20-year-old Plimmer, who has so far played 12 ODIs and 21 T20Is. “Georgia has been a regular part of our group for some time now and she’ll be involved in the ODIs – so we have full confidence she can come in and contribute in the opening T20I,” he said.