Spinner Leigh Kapserek is the glaring omission from the White Ferns squad for the upcoming World Cup on home soil next month.
The Wellington Blaze star has been a mainstay of the NZ bowling attack in recent years, leading the way with 14 wickets at an average of 14.78 runs last year.
Coach Bob Carter says the decision was based around the "balance of the team".
"We didn't have any of the three spinners that we’ve selected for the World Cup in the UK, and it came down to a choice – would we take an extra spinner or would we take an extra batter, and that created a lot of debate," says Carter.
"I really feel for her because she's been a great member of the White Ferns and it’s at times like that, as a selector or coach, that I wish I could have had another place."
Getting the nod ahead of Kasperek is Auckland teenager Fran Jonas, who was put to the sword in her two international appearances against England last year. Melie Kerr and Frankie McKay return to round out the squad's contingent of spinners.
The make-up of the rest of the squad is very much as expected, with Sophie Devine named captain and Amy Satterthwaite her deputy.
Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr are the seam-bowling options, with Rowe making her second appearance at the 50-over showpiece.
Maddy Green, Lauren Down and Brooke Halliday take the specialist batting spots in the squad, while Hayley Jensen fills the seam-bowling all-rounder role.
The veteran duo of wicketkeeper Katey Martin and quick bowler Lea Tahuhu add another valuable dose of experience, poised to feature at their tthird World Cup.
After an extended build-up caused by the tournament's COVID-enforced delay, Carter says his squad are raring to go.
"It doesn't get much better than competing at a World Cup in your home country, and I know the entire team and support staff are really excited by the prospect," Carter adds.
"We feel we have a balanced squad, providing multiple options with bat and ball to cover the range of conditions we’re likely to face around the country.
"There’s a strong mix of youth and experience in this squad with several players having multiple World Cups under their belt.
"We also have a younger group coming through, six of which are yet to experience World Cup cricket, and it's naturally a very exciting time for those players."
The White Ferns have struggled for form over the past two years, with just three wins from their past 22 matches.
They'll have an opportunity to build positive momentum in a warm-up series against India, which includes five one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 international.
White Ferns World Cup squad: Sophie Devine (c) (Wellington Blaze), Amy Satterthwaite (vc) (Canterbury Magicians), Suzie Bates (Otago Sparks), Lauren Down (Auckland Hearts), Maddy Green (Wellington Blaze), Brooke Halliday (Northern Districts Women), Hayley Jensen (Otago Sparks), Fran Jonas (Auckland Hearts), Jess Kerr (Wellington Blaze), Melie Kerr (Wellington Blaze), Frankie Mackay (Canterbury Magicians), Rosemary Mair (Central Hinds), Katey Martin (Otago Sparks), Hannah Rowe (Central Hinds), Lea Tahuhu (Canterbury Magicians)
