Wellington Blaze head coach Ivan Tissera has selected a star-studded squad for the final two rounds of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield against the Otago Sparks this weekend.

An extended break in the WHITE FERNS’ international summer means all six of Wellington’s international stars are available for a One-Day cameo to round out the women’s domestic summer at the Basin Reserve.

That means WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine will make her first Hallyburton Johnstone Shield appearance in over two years and Maddy Green will make her first List A appearance for Wellington since making the move from Auckland last summer.

Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr and One-Day captain Thamsyn Newton also return to the Blaze after featuring in the WHITE FERNS T20 series against England, adding to a star-studded line-up which also includes the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield’s second-top run scorer Jess McFadyen.

The Blaze are already out of contention for qualifying for the competition finals, but head coach Tissera said the final two rounds were an opportunity to finish the season on a positive.

“There’s been plenty of positives to take from our Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign and we’re hoping to finish on a few more this weekend,” he said.

“The return of our international players will no doubt have an impact and it’s another great opportunity for our younger players to learn from those more experienced players which will help their development.”

“It’s always a pleasure to play at the Basin Reserve and we’re looking to finish the summer on a high!”

New Zealand Under 19 better Georgia Plimmer, batter Caitlin King, spinner Xara Jetly and seamers Beth Molony and Maneka Singh make up the squad.

Opening batter Rebecca Burns is unavailable.

Play gets underway tomorrow and Sunday from the Basin Reserve at 10.00am – spectator entry is free.

Wellington Blaze squad | Hallyburton Johnstone Shield | Rounds 9 & 10
Thamsyn Newton (c)
Sophie Devine
Maddy Green
Xara Jetly
Leigh Kasperek
Amelia Kerr
Jess Kerr
Caitlin King
Jess McFadyen (wk)
Beth Molony
Georgia Plimmer
Maneka Singh

Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Rounds 9 & 10
Wellington Blaze v Otago Sparks
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 March | 10.00am
Basin Reserve, Wellington

Article added: Friday 12 March 2021