Veteran called in as cover for Alex Blackwell as Australia look to keep 17-year hold on Rose Bowl trophy across the ditch
Haynes added to Stars squad for NZ ODI tour
Experienced New South Wales batter Rachael Haynes has been handed a last-minute call up to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad on the eve of their one-day international tour of New Zealand.
Haynes has been recalled as cover for Australia vice-captain Alex Blackwell, who suffered a mild hamstring strain during the Southern Stars’ heavy defeat in the third and final T20 International at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
Quick Single: Complete failure to learn lessons: Lanning
With allrounder Ellyse Perry also on the comeback trail from a hamstring injury suffered during the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League, experienced batter Haynes could be called upon to bolster the Australia line-up in the Rose Bowl series opener in Auckland on Sunday.
The 30-year-old last played for Australia during the 2013 Ashes in England and has three Test, 33 ODI and 27 T20 appearances under her belt, averaging a healthy 31.28 in one-dayers.
She was also a member of the victorious Australia side that claimed the 2013 Women’s World Cup.
“We expect both Alex and Ellyse to feature throughout the upcoming series against New Zealand, however we want to ensure both players are 100 per cent fit on their return,” National Selector Shawn Flegler said.
“Rachel is a proven performer at this level with a wealth of knowledge and experience, so we are looking forward to having her around the group and know she will be ready to go if called upon.”
The Southern Stars are aiming to turn around a disappointing T20 series loss to the White Ferns.
After thumping New Zealand in the opening match at the MCG, the world No.1 team lost a rain-affected match in Geelong, before being rolled for 66 – their lowest ever T20 total – in the series decider in Adelaide.
The three-match series is also Australia’s final ODI tune-up before their 50-over World Cup title defence begins in England in June.
Australia bid farewell to T20-only squad members Molly Strano and Sarah Aley after the Adelaide match, replaced by Perry, Haynes and opening batter Nicole Bolton for the ODIs.
The Southern Stars are looking to continue their 17-year hold on the Rose Bowl. They last lost an ODI series to New Zealand in 1999.
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Rene Farrell, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.
Australia v New Zealand ODIs
26 February: Eden Park No.2, Auckland, 9am AEDT
2 March: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, 9am AEDT
5 March: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, 9am AEDT