Wellington allrounder Thamsyn Newton will captain the Wellington Blaze for their Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign which gets underway against the Northern Spirit at the Basin Reserve tomorrow.

The former WHITE FERNS international will lead a 13-strong Blaze squad looking to claim its very first one-day title.

Four Wellington Under 19 representatives, including two potential debutants, have also been selected.

Georgia Plimmer (16), Natasha Codyre (17), Kate Chandler (14) and Antonia Hamilton (16) have all been rewarded for their strong performances at representative level – Codyre and Plimmer debuted for the Blaze last summer, and allrounder Chandler and wicketkeeper Hamilton could follow suit this weekend.

“We’re very fortunate to have a leader like Thamsyn in our squad and we are confident that she will lead the team well in the one-day format,” said Blaze head coach Ivan Tissera.

“Thamsyn is hugely experienced at domestic level and has also represented New Zealand and she will have a big impact on the younger players we have introduced to the squad.

“We’re excited to bring two new faces through from the Under 19 squad and it shows the strong player pool we are developing at representative level.”

Last year’s Bowler of the Year Jess Kerr will miss the opening two rounds of the competition as she completes her return from injury.

WHITE FERN Deanna Doughty and New Zealand development batter Rebecca Burns add experience to the squad, as will wicketkeeper Jess McFadyen who’s 153 not out against Otago was the highlight of last summer’s one-day campaign.

Young bowlers Xara Jetly, Beth Molony and Maneka Singh will once again play important roles with the ball and Caitlin King will look to contribute runs at the top of the order.

WHITE FERNS Sophie Devine, Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr are all unavailable for selection due to their Women’s Big Bash commitments - Leigh Kasperek will join the squad when she returns to New Zealand after her stint in the women’s IPL.

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

Wellington Blaze squad | Hallyburton Johnstone Shield | Round One & Two v Northern Spirit

Thamsyn Newton (c)

Olivia Boivin

Rebecca Burns

Kate Chandler

Natasha Codyre

Deanna Doughty

Antonia Hamilton

Xara Jetly

Caitlin King

Jess McFadyen

Beth Molony

Georgia Plimmer

Maneka Singh

Article added: Friday 20 November 2020