White Ferns captain Haidee Tiffen is eager for the 2007 Rose Bowl series against Australia to start after recent close encounters with the world champions.
The Southern Stars claimed the 2006 edition after a clean sweep despite three close contests opening the series in Brisbane.
The White Ferns overcame the Australians in the group stages of the ICC Quadrangular Tournament in India, but fell to a six-wicket defeat in the Chennai final in March.
This year’s series will be played in Darwin over 10 days, beginning 19 July.
Tiffen said: “We love playing Australia. We enjoy the rivalry the two countries have but most importantly we love being challenged by the best team in the world.
“I know both teams are very competitive and equally looking forward to meeting each other. It will be a great series.
“The 2006 Rose Bowl, despite the results, was a great series and showed really how close the teams were.
“Yes, we cracked under the pressure and Australia on each day played with cooler, calmer heads. They are world champs and to have that title you have to have many strengths.
“I believe we were competitive and a lot of positive things came out of the series. This was shown with how far our team came in six months at the quadrangular series in India. We can only keep moving forward.”
