The White Ferns are likely to be without the experienced Sophie Devine as they start their ODI series against England on Monday.
Devine’s thigh injury has left her in doubt for the opening match of the ODI series against England but head coach Ben Sawyer said they hope that she will play a part at some point in the series.
“I think we’re developing really well. Obviously it’s a young squad; it's been known for a while that we’ve been relying on three batters up top," Sawyer said.
The White Ferns have a relatively young side already so losing the experience of all-rounder Devine will test their depth and will ask some of the younger players to step up and play against one of the best sides in the world.
The White Ferns lost the T20I series against England 4-1, losing the 5th match by five wickets on Friday.
Sawyer said he was pleased with Izzy Gaze’s performance in the last T20I as the 19-year-old got 51 not out off just 28 deliveries.
In the upcoming ODI series, Sawyer said he wants his side to put together batting partnerships and bat deep into the innings – something that was lacking in the T20I matches.
"We’re going to need to be a powerful batting unit," said Sawyer.
The White Ferns play at the Basin Reserve on Easter Monday to start their five match series against England, who are ranked second in the world in the ODI format.
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