New Zealand add two former stars ahead of Australia T20I series

New Zealand have added two familiar names to the White Ferns coaching setup, with former internationals Martin Guptill and Andre Adams joining the team for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia.

The pair will work alongside interim head coach Dean Brownlie following the departure of long-serving coach Ben Sawyer, who guided New Zealand to their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2024.

Guptill, one of New Zealand’s most experienced international cricketers, will work with the batting and fielding group. He has played 367 international matches for the country and is stepping in for regular assistant coach Craig McMillan, who is recovering from back surgery.

“I’m really excited to be joining the White Ferns,” Guptill said, adding that he was looking forward to working with the talented squad.

Adams is also returning to the international setup. The former New Zealand all-rounder previously worked with the White Ferns in 2017 and 2023, bringing experience of the women’s international environment.

“It’s great to be back involved with the White Ferns,” Adams said.

The coaching additions come at an important stage for New Zealand as they prepare for a challenging series against Australia.

The White Ferns will open the T20I series in Sydney on October 18, before the second match on October 20 and the final game on October 22.

Squad: Melie Kerr (c), Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp

Series schedule:

First T20I: October 18, Sydney

Second T20I: October 20, Sydney

Third T20I: October 22, Sydney