Opener Georgia Plimmer and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze are among the 15-member New Zealand A squad selected for their white-ball tour of England, commencing in late June. The squad, which includes 11 players with international experience, will embark on a six-match tour of England later this month. This tour, featuring three List A one-dayers followed by three T20s, is the return leg of a bilateral A series reintroduced to NZC’s women’s pathway last year. “The squad will depart on Saturday with their first One Day match in Derby on June 23. Assistant coach Brendon Donkers will name the team’s captains once the squad have assembled in England,” said New Zealand Cricket. Plimmer and Gaze headline a strong batting lineup that includes Jess Watkin, recent international debutants Bella James and Polly Inglis, as well as Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp. Watkin had a memorable summer, delivering significant performances with both bat and ball, leading her side to the Super Smash elimination final for the second consecutive year. Inglis, McLeod, and Sharp made their White Ferns debut during the home series against Sri Lanka in March, alongside left-arm seamer Bree Illing and allrounder Flora Devonshire. The 21-year-old Illing made an impressive international debut, taking 2 for 42 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, including the wicket of their captain Chamari Athapaththu in consecutive matches. Hannah Rowe and Molly Penfold will lead the pace bowling unit, supported by Emma Black, Amie Hucker, and Illing. Following consistent performances in recent domestic seasons, in-swing allrounder Nensi Patel will again have the opportunity to test her skills at the next level, after contributing to New Zealand A’s one-day series victory over England A last March. The spin contingent includes allrounders Patel, Watkin, and Devonshire, as well as Anna Browning. NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green emphasised the importance of A tours for development. “We’re really excited to be sending this group of talented players to England. They’ll get the chance to further their game by facing a strong opponent in different conditions whilst getting a taste for what international touring is like. A tours are a key component of growing depth.” “Providing elevated playing opportunities is essential for building experience and depth. It’s also an opportunity to assess high-potential players and test their readiness for international cricket,” said Green. New Zealand A squad: Emma Black, Anna Browning, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Emma McLeod, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp, Jess Watkin. (with IANS inputs)