James, who has played nearly 100 List-A matches in her career, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to slot seamlessly into the side for the three-match ODI series starting March 5.
Auckland Hearts' left-arm seamer Bree Illing and Otago Sparks' batter Bella James have earned their maiden central contracts after being named in the 2025-26 season list announced by New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka-W is touring New Zealand for an ODI and T20 series. Despite having many injuries, New Zealand managed to whitewash Sri Lanka in the one-dayers 2-0. Polly Inglis and Bree Illing made thier debut in the one-dayers, as Flora Devonshire is uncapped and yet to make her debut.
Ahead of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand Women's right-hand batter Bella James has been ruled out for the upcoming series due to a grade-two quadricep strain on her right leg on Friday.
Top-order batter Bella James on Saturday was added to the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia in Wellington, according to ICC.