NZ women call up uncapped Heffernan, Down

New Zealand women have included the uncapped pair of Kate Heffernan and Lauren Down for the home series against West Indies in March. Heffernan, an 18-year-old left-arm seamer, has found a place in the 13-member T20I squad while Down, a 22-year-old batsman, is part of the ODI squad.

"Both Kate and Lauren are impressive athletes in their own right and will definitely bring that dynamic edge that we're looking for," said Haidee Tiffen, New Zealand's coach.

"The fact that Kate is a left-armer was certainly a factor in her selection as she will bring that point of difference. We see an immense amount of potential in Kate, particularly as we look ahead a bit further to a World Cup in New Zealand in 2021.

"Lauren's been on our radar for a while in both formats and we also think she's one for the future. She's explosive with the bat and is a terrific fielder across the park."

Kate Ebrahim has returned to the ODI squad while Natalie Dodd and Hayley Jensen have come back into the T20I squad.

Katie Perkins has missed out on selection, having had limited game-time since suffering a broken thumb in December, while the legspinner Erin Bermingham, who has taken an indefinite break from cricket, was unavailable for selection.

"Erin's been a terrific servant to the team for a long time and made important contributions on and off the field," Tiffin said. "She's a great team-player and we will miss having her around the group."

The three-match ODI series begins on March 4 in Christchurch. This will be followed by a five-match T20I series, which starts on March 14 in Tauranga.