WHITE FERNS squad and schedules announced for UAE

WHITE FERNS coach Haidee Tiffen has named a 14-player squad for three One Day Internationals and four Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan in the UAE, starting at the end of the month.
 
Northern Spirit batswoman Sam Curtis is the only non-contracted player in the travelling party, with spinner Erin Bermingham (knee injury) and wicket-keeper Rachel Priest missing selection due to fitness.
 
Following Pakistan’s inaugural tour to New Zealand late last year, it will be the first ever time the WHITE FERNS have played the subcontinent side away from home.
 
All tour matches will take place in Sharjah, with the opening ODI on October 31st and the final T20I on November 14th.
 
WHITE FERNS squad for UAE
Suzie Bates (c) (Otago Sparks)
Sam Curtis (Northern Spirit)
Sophie Devine (Wellington Blaze)
Maddy Green (Auckland Hearts)
Holly Huddleston (Auckland Hearts)
Leigh Kasperek (Otago Sparks)
Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze)
Katey Martin (Otago Sparks)
Thamsyn Newton (Canterbury Magicians)
Katie Perkins (Auckland Hearts)
Anna Peterson (Auckland Hearts)
Hannah Rowe (Central Hinds)
Amy Satterthwaite (Canterbury Magicians)
Lea Tahuhu (Canterbury Magicians)
 
Coach Haidee Tiffen said it was exciting to get the team back together and reset their sights after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
 
“We can’t wait to get back out on the park and play some cricket,” she said.
 
“This is the start of some important games for the WHITE FERNS as we look to prepare for next year’s ICC World T20 in the Caribbean.
 
“The One Day series also signals the start of the ICC Women’s Championship as we begin qualifying for the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021, which is being hosted here in New Zealand.
 
“Pakistan will present a unique challenge in their own conditions and it’s going to be a new and exciting experience for many in our squad.”
 
Otago’s Katey Martin will handle the wicket-keeping duties for the tour in the absence of Rachel Priest, who will stay at home to prepare for the home summer.
 
Tiffen said Priest needed to improve her physical conditioning in order to perform consistently at the international level.
 
“We’ve been clear with Rachel about the areas we want to see her improve in. She’s taken the feedback on board and is committed to putting the work in.
 
“We believe Rachel still has a lot to offer the WHITE FERNS.”
 
Tiffen said the tour presented a good chance to build some depth at wicket-keeper.
 
“It’s a position we’re aware needs work and so it’s great to be able to give Katey this opportunity.
 
“She obviously does the job for the Otago Sparks and has kept wickets for us in the past, but we’re keen to see her behind the stumps for a full tour across different formats.”
 
The WHITE FERNS depart for the UAE on October 24th.
 
 
WHITE FERNS tour of UAE schedule
 
1st ODI - 31 October, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
2nd ODI - 2 November, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
3rd ODI - 5 November, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
 
1st T20I - 8 November, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
2nd T20I - 9 November, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
3rd T20I - 12 November, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
4th T20I - 14 November, Sharjah Cricket Stadium