Otago spinner Eden Carson has retained her place in the White Ferns squad for the series against the West Indies.
The 21-year-old had a tremendous summer with the Otago Spirit and was rewarded with a national contract.
The White Ferns are in a rebuilding phase and several veterans were discarded, including Wellington spinner Leigh Kasperek.
That opened up playing opportunities for the likes of Carson and she made her international T20 debut at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
She played in the 13-run win over South Africa and the 45-run victory over Sri Lanka a few days later.
Three other youngsters have also been retained from the Games squad. Wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze (18), Wellington Blaze batter Georgia Plimmer (18) and Auckland Hearts left-arm spinner Fran Jonas (18) will continue their international development.
The White Ferns welcome back the pace-bowling duo of Jess Kerr and Molly Penfold, along with top-order batter Lauren Down.
The trio replace Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair and wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen in the only changes to the 15-player squad which claimed bronze.
Kerr, who has become a main-stay with the new ball in recent years, was a late withdrawal before the Birmingham Games due to a foot injury, while Down opted out before the tournament to prioritise her well-being.
Penfold rejoins the national side after making her international debut on last year’s tour of England.
Sophie Devine will captain the side which also features the familiar faces of Suzie Bates, Maddy Green and Melie Kerr.
The tour comprises a three-game ODI series and a five-game T20 series in Antigua, starting September 16.
Coach Ben Sawyer, who has been working with Devine at the Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred, said the squad for the West Indies was undergoing a variety of preparations before the tour.
"We have six players currently competing over here in the Hundred, while the bulk of the squad has begun a training camp this week at Lincoln, working with assistant coach Sara McGlashan.
"Hayley Jensen is already over in the Caribbean playing in the CPL and she said the conditions are extremely hot and the wickets are keeping a little low — so that’s what we can expect."
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in South Africa next February, Sawyer said the side would naturally be working towards that tournament, and looking to take momentum from its recent success in Birmingham.
"I know the team took a lot of confidence from winning that bronze-medal match against England," he said.
"To do it in front of a packed house at Edgbaston and to do it so convincingly will have given the whole unit so much belief.
"This tour will be important for us to continue building on the good work done in England."
White Ferns
The squad
Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
