New South Wales top-order batter Leah Poulton replaces injured state team-mate Alex Blackwell in the 13-member Australia squad to host the White Ferns in next month’s Rose Bowl series in Brisbane.
Blackwell is continuing her rehabilitation from a serious knee injury sustained in July.
Southern Stars selection panel head Margaret Jennings said: “Leah had a very strong year in the domestic series last season and showed she is capable of taking on the role at the top of the order.
“We needed to find cover for Alex Blackwell and Leah has earned that opportunity to take the next step.
“She is a talented player with a free-flowing game and we are keen to see how she performs against New Zealand, whom we expect to provide some very tough competition.”
Former Australia Under-19 captain Poulton added: “I’ve played a lot of cricket with Alex (Blackwell) over the years, and we had started to form a good partnership at the top of the order last season for New South Wales.
“Representing Australia has always been my dream. I am disappointed for Alex and that my chance has come under these circumstances, but I will keep working hard and try and capitalise on the opportunity I have been given.
“Hopefully I’ll have the chance to play some more cricket with Alex when she returns to full fitness.”
The White Ferns cross the Tasman for five One-Day Internationals and a Twenty20 fixture, the first women’s Twenty20 international in Australia.
It will be the White Ferns’ first Twenty20 international since their nine run defeat of England two years ago.
All six games are scheduled for Allan Border Field in Brisbane, starting with the Twenty20 on 18 October.
Australia: Karen Rolton (c), Lisa Sthalekar, Sarah Andrews, Kate Blackwell, Melissa Bulow, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Michelle Goszko, Julie Hayes, Shelley Nitschke, Kirsten Pike, Leah Poulton, Jodie Purves, Clea Smith
