Bristol is set to be a crucial battle ground for the WHITE FERNS at the 2017 Women’s World Cup, following the release of the tournament schedule on International Women’s Day.
Suzie Bates's third-ranked one-day side will open their campaign against Sri Lanka at the Bristol County Ground on June 24, before returning a week later for a crunch clash against Australia.
Full schedule
The eight team tournament sees all sides face each other in just over three weeks of frenetic pool play. The top four qualifiers will advance to the semi-finals, with the subsequent winners squaring off in the World Cup Final at Lord's on July 23.
“It’s really exciting to see the full schedule laid out with the grounds, dates and opponents locked in,” Bates said upon seeing the draw.
Suzie Bates. Images: PHOTOSPORT
“There’s so many good match-ups across the board and it’s going to make for a thrilling Group Stage as all of the teams fight to make the finals.
“I’ve played at a couple of these grounds before and they’ll provide a great setting for what I am sure will be some epic clashes.”
With seven games in 22 days, coach Haidee Tiffen acknowledged she will have to utilise her resources well.
“We’ll name a strong squad for the tournament and every player will have to be ready to step up at any time.
Haidee Tiffen and Amy Satterthwaite at WHITE FERNS training. Image: PHOTOSPORT
“The schedule will certainly test us as we move from Bristol, to Derby, to Taunton and back to Derby, hopefully before a semi-final in either.”
“It’s exciting. This is what we’ve all been working towards for a long time now and I feel like we’re on track after a tough series against the world number one’s Australia.”
The WHITE FERNS will hold camps in April and May before the squad assembles in Hampshire on June 10 ahead of the tournament warm-ups.
