Northern Brave fast bowler Kayley Knight has been included in a 13-strong White Ferns squad to take on South Africa in the ODI series starting on Sunday.
Knight made her T20 international debut last month against Zimbabwe, taking two for 25 just a week after she claimed two for 20 for the Brave in the domestic one-day final.
The 22-year-old helped Northern claim their maiden Hallyburton Johnstone Shield title and finished as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker of the competition.
Captain Melie Kerr heads into the series on the back of a dominant performance against Zimbabwe, where she claimed 16 wickets across three games, including two five-wicket hauls and the White Ferns’ best ODI figures in history (seven for 34).
Kerr leads a similar-looking squad with the exception of Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire and Georgia Plimmer, who have each returned from injury and will replace Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis and Bella James, while Knight comes in for Molly Penfold.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer said he was excited to call Knight into the squad.
"It’s great to call Kayley up for her first ODI series," Sawyer said.
"Kayley’s got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters.
"She was an integral part of the Brave’s title-winning HBJ campaign and has shown she has the tools to hold her in good stead in the international game."
Saywer said the team were keen to finish the season on a high.
"Coming off the back of a T20s series win, I know the team are eager to back it up in the ODIs.
"It’s been a packed back end to the summer for the White Ferns and we’re looking forward to wrapping the season up with another competitive series."
The series marks the White Ferns’ final home summer action for the 2025-26 season. Game 1 is at Hagley Oval on Sunday, followed by the final two outings at the Basin Reserve on April 1 and 4.
White Ferns
ODI squad
Melie Kerr (captain), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp — Allied Media
