New Zealand women’s cricket team the WHITE FERNS will head to India next month for five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals against the hosts.
The first three ODIs, all of which will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, will count towards the ICC Women’s Championship.
In what will be her first tour as Head Coach, Haidee Tiffen said both she and the team were excited about the challenge ahead.
“We haven’t faced India a lot in recent times, but they’re a team that are growing and will be a tough task, especially in their own conditions,” said Tiffen.
“But we have high expectations for ourselves and expect to make it tough for them as well. With championship points on the line, there’s no shortage of incentive and we’ll be doing everything possible to get an important series win.”
White Ferns squad to India
Suzie Bates (Captain) - Otago Sparks
Kate Broadmore - Central Hinds
Sophie Devine (Vice-captain) - Wellington Blaze
Natalie Dodd - Northern Spirit
Maddy Green - Auckland Hearts
Georgia Guy - Auckland Hearts
Leigh Kasperek - Otago Sparks
Morna Nielsen - Otago Sparks
Katie Perkins - Auckland Hearts
Anna Peterson - Auckland Hearts
Rachel Priest - Wellington Blaze
Hannah Rowe - Central Hinds
Amy Satterthwaite - Canterbury Magicians
Lea Tahuhu - Canterbury Magicians
There are three changes from the squad which recently faced England, with Natalie Dodd and Maddy Green recalled, and Leigh Kasperek in line to make her WHITE FERNS debut.
Kasperek, who formerly played for the Scotland women’s team, becomes eligible after playing the last three domestic seasons in New Zealand.
Sara McGlashan and Erin Bermingham were both unavailable due to work commitments, while Holly Huddleston drops out of the squad.
Tiffen said 23-year-old Kasperek was a bright prospect and thoroughly deserved her call-up.
“Leigh’s an all-round talent. She spins the ball, is a dynamic batsman and an outstanding fielder, so she ticks all the boxes and it’s exciting to see her get this opportunity.
“Overall we’re really pleased with the balance of the squad, with plenty of pace and spin options for the subcontinent conditions. India have two batters ranked in the top five in the world, so we know we’ll have to be on top of our game with the ball.
“Our top order has plenty of experience in it as well, so that should help us adjust to the pitches over there quickly. We know what’s required and look forward to getting over there and giving it our all.”
Schedule
All matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
26 June One-Day warm up v India A Women
28 June 1st ODI v India (IWC)
01 July 2nd ODI v India (IWC)
03 July 3rd ODI v India (IWC)
06 July 4th ODI v India
08 July 5th ODI v India
11 July 1st T20 v India
13 July 2nd T20 v India
15 July 3rd T20 v India
