22-year-old Down made the ODI side off the back of another strong season with the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield winning Hearts.“It was a bit of a surprise to be honest,” said Down. “I’m just really excited to be part of the whole setup, I can’t wait! It should be a great experience and one I can learn a lot from along the way.”

WHITE FERNS coach Haidee Tiffen said it was the raw talent and athleticism of Down and fellow potential debutant Kate Heffernan, alongside their consistent performances, that caught her and selector Kirsty Bond’s attention. “Both Kate and Lauren are impressive athletes in their own right and will definitely bring that dynamic edge that we’re looking for,” said Tiffen. “Lauren’s been on our radar for a while in both formats and we also think she’s one for the future. She’s explosive with the bat and is a terrific fielder across the park.”

Canterbury Magicians all-rounder and Kate Ebrahim (nee Broadmore) returns to the ODI squad, while Northern Spirit’s T20 leading run-scorer Natalie Dodd and pace-bowler Haley Jensen also return to the international scene in the T20 squad. “We’ve picked on form and all three players have stuck their hands up and put in some big performances at times under pressure – which is something we’ve placed real value on. “It’s great to have Hayley back in the mix after her successful season with the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Women’s Big Bash League. She’s a quality player and we’re delighted that she’s committed herself to returning to New Zealand to play her cricket.”

Suzie Bates will captain both sides, which feature the familiar faces of vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite, hard-hitting all-rounder Sophie Devine and 17-year-old leg-spinner Amelia Kerr.

WHITE FERNS ODI team

• Suzie Bates (c) (Otago Sparks)
• Sophie Devine (Wellington Blaze)
• Lauren Down (Auckland Hearts)
• Kate Ebrahim (Canterbury Magicians)
• Maddy Green (Auckland Hearts)
• Holly Huddleston (Auckland Hearts)
• Leigh Kasperek (Otago Sparks)
• Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze)
• Katey Martin (Otago Sparks)
• Anna Peterson (Auckland Hearts)
• Hannah Rowe (Central Hinds)
• Amy Satterthwaite (VC) (Canterbury Magicians)
• Lea Tahuhu (Canterbury Magicians)