Six Wellington Blaze stars have today been selected to represent the WHITE FERNS at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Australia.

Captain Sophie Devine, Rachel Priest, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr Maddy Green and Leigh Kasperek have all been included in the 15-strong squad for next month's competition, as well as the upcoming T20 series against South Africa starting on February 2 in Tauranga.

It means there is a potential T20 debut for recent international debutant Jess Kerr - the 22-year-old is now set to travel to her first ever ICC World Cup.

“It’s an exciting time for the younger players in the squad but, in saying that, we believe they can add something to the group,” said WHITE FERNS head coach Bob Carter.

“We endeavour to learn more about them in the coming series against South Africa.”

Of the current WHITE FERNS squad, all-rounders Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine have featured in every ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since its inception in 2009.

Both Bates and Devine are desperate to add a T20 title to their already impressive cricketing CVs and believe they have the side that can take them all the way in 2020.

“We have a balanced side with plenty of international experience within,” Devine said.

“It’s up to us to put our best foot forward in these five T20s against South Africa and hone our game before another shot at a World Cup.” 

The WHITE FERNS five-match T20 series against South Africa starts on Sunday February 2 at Bay Oval.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup starts on February 21.

WHITE FERNS T20 squad:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Lea Tahuhu

Article added: Wednesday 29 January 2020