Wellington Blaze spinner Deanna Doughty is the new face in a 17-strong WHITE FERNS squad selected for the upcoming series against Australia next month.

Doughty is in-line for a potential international debut after another strong season for the Blaze last summer where she played a pivotal role with the ball in Wellington’s Dream11 Super Smash triumph.

“It’s quite a surreal moment as this is something I’ve worked hard on for a long time and it’s always been my dream since I started playing for the Blaze,” said Doughty.

“It feels good to have overcome a lot to make it happen – a great opportunity.”

Doughty has formed a formidable spin partnership with fellow Blaze and WHITE FERNS teammate Amelia Kerr and has been a key part of the Blaze’s T20 dominance over the past three seasons.  

She follows Blaze bowler Jess Kerr as the latest Blaze player to make the step up to the international level after Kerr made her ODI and T20i debuts last summer.

WHITE FERNS and Blaze captain Sophie Devine said the team were absolutely buzzing at the prospect of getting back on the park.

“The team is extremely thankful to all those involved in making this tour a reality,” said Devine.  

“We hope the upcoming ODI and T20I matches can excite and entertain people in what’s been a tough time for everyone.” 

Devine was her honest self when asked what she wanted to achieve in Australia. 

“We’re definitely going over there to bring back the Rose Bowl,” said Devine.

“The team are under no illusions - it’s going to be a tough task taking on a world-class Australian team. We’re an experienced group and having Amy back in the fold only adds to our batting depth and on-field leadership.

“Every time you pull on the Fern, you do so with pride. The team have prepared well at winter camps and are looking forward to taking on Australia in their own backyard.” 

WHITE FERNS Head Coach Bob Carter said the selections of Doughty and Jess Watkin reflect strong performances in domestic competition.  

“We welcome Dee and Jess into the environment and we’re looking forward to working with them over an extended tour period,” said Carter. 

“The team has been working hard in winter camps over the past few months and it will be good to put what we’ve learnt in those sessions into practice against a top-quality opposition like Australia.

“We have a slightly bigger squad for this tour given the strict rules and regulations in the current climate. However, the extra time together will be beneficial for the group and their development as cricketers.” 

All matches are set to be played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane with the team to observe strict isolation protocols on arrival into Australia and upon returning to New Zealand. 

Blaze allrounder Leigh Kasperek is currently in the UK and was unavailable for selection due to COVID-19’s travel restrictions. 

The team depart for Australia on September 9. 

WHITE FERNS squad for Australia 

Sophie Devine (c) (Wellington)

Suzie Bates (Otago)

Natalie Dodd (Central Districts)

Deanna Doughty (Wellington)

Lauren Down (Auckland)

Maddy Green (Wellington)

Holly Huddleston (Auckland)

Hayley Jensen (Otago)

Amelia Kerr (Wellington)

Jess Kerr (Wellington)

Rosemary Mair (Central Districts)

Katey Martin (Otago)

Katie Perkins (Auckland)

Hannah Rowe (Central Districts)

Amy Satterthwaite (Canterbury)

Lea Tahuhu (Canterbury)

Jess Watkin (Central Districts)

Tour schedule:

All matches played at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane.

T20I - September 26th, 27th, 30th 

ODI - October 3rd, 5th, 7th 

Article added: Friday 28 August 2020