“For the past seven or eight months we’ve been looking to establish a brand of cricket which we believe spectators will enjoy and, at the same time, gives us the best possible chance of success in major tournaments,” Ben Sawyer, New Zealand Women’s head coach, said of Bezuidenhout’s inclusion. “With both the bat in hand and her work behind the stumps, we believe that Bernie will contribute positively to that style of play.
“Bernie has already shown this season what she can do with both bat and gloves, and we think that her previous international experience will stand her in good stead in this World Cup.”
Bezuidenhout had played for South Africa before qualifying for New Zealand in 2018.
Sophie Devine fit to play
New Zealand will play three practice games against England in the lead-up to that, as well as official warm-up games against West Indies and England on February 6 and 8, before their first group match against Australia on February 11. South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the other teams in New Zealand’s group.