New Zealand to host England, Australia early next year
The postponement of the ICC Women’s World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in New Zealand from February 6, had opened up a window for New Zealand Cricket. After talks between them and Cricket Australia, it was decided that New Zealand will host a T20 tri-series, with the third team being England.
In addition to the T20 tri-series, the White Ferns will also play a 3-match ODI series each against Australia and England, all as per reports from stuff.co.nz. For the time being, the White Ferns will start off their Cricketing season by travelling across the Trans-Tasman border on September 9 to face T20 World champions Australia for a limited-overs series starting from September 27.
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New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White told stuff.co.nz, “We’re getting close now. We’re working with member countries, government agencies and venues and MAs (major associations), so we’re getting very close (to confirming the schedule). It’s all looking positive.”
The last time the two teams met in Australia was for a 3-match ODI series earlier last year, with Australia winning 3-0
With New Zealand’s current alert levels not allowing gatherings of over 100, White said that the NZC is preparing all possible ways to deal with the crowds. He also added that the facilities are being prepared for the cricketers where they could train whilst undergoing the two-week lockdown on arrival.
“We’re working through that with the Government, within their regulations, but teams will have the ability to train as well,” he was quoted as saying so.
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The White Ferns’ limited-overs fixtures will consist of 3 One Day Internationals and T20Is each in Sydney and Queensland respectively, from September 27 to October 10. For some of their key players, their summer in Australia will be an extended one, as the likes of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr will stay on for the Women’s Big Bash League starting a week after the end of New Zealand’s limited-overs tour until November 29. They will then return to prepare for domestic cricket.
New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 competition, the Super Smash will be starting on December 24 and run until mid-February. “That’s really positive for the White Ferns who’ve got a good program,” White said.