NZ Women call up 16-year-old Kerr for Pakistan series

New Zealand Women have picked 16-year-old legspinner Amelia Kerr for the next month's home series against Pakistan Women. Allrounder Sophie Devine and batsman Liz Perry returned to the squad, while spinners Leigh Kasperek and Erin Bermingham were unavailable for selection.

Kerr has represented Wellington Women for close to two years in limited-overs cricket. She is the granddaughter of former Test cricketer Bruce Murray, and her parents have also represented Wellington in domestic cricket.

New Zealand coach Haidee Tiffin said changes like Kerr's inclusion were done keeping the 2017 Women's World Cup in mind.

"Amelia has deserved this recognition - it's a wonderful opportunity for her, and we're also delighted to be welcoming back Sophie and Liz," Tiffin said. "Our strategy is to use the opportunities we have to challenge players and to evaluate our game-plans, in order to give us the best possible lead-in to the 2017 World Cup."

Batsman Natalie Dodd and allrounder Maddy Green, who are a part of the squad in the ongoing series against South Africa, have been left out. Green had been picked for the South Africa matches as a replacement for offspinner Kasperek who was sidelined for eight weeks after fracturing her finger.

Pakistan's tour will start with the five-match ODI series from November 9, and will be played in Lincoln and Nelson. The last three ODIs will be counted for points in the ICC Women's Championship and will be the last round of matches in the tournament for both teams. New Zealand are currently placed fourth on the table with 20 points, one point behind England Women, and have a chance to cement automatic qualification for next year's World Cup by beating Pakistan, who are placed seventh. The top four teams in the Championship gain automatic entry into the World Cup, and table-toppers Australia Women have already ascertained their place.

New Zealand Women's squad: Suzie Bates (capt), Sam Curtis, Sophie Devine, Holly Huddleston, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Thamsyn Newton, Morna Nielsen, Katie Perkins, Liz Perry, Rachel Priest, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu.