The White Ferns last won a Rose Bowl series against the Australian Southern Stars in 1998 but are feeling confident going into the2009 five match series.
It is a strong squad, full of all-rounders providing coach Gary Stead with plenty of variation and options to choose from.
The team includes the experienced Haidee Tiffin, Nicola Browne and Sara McGlashan with one uncapped player, Abby Burrows.
Burrows forced her way into the team on the back of some fine bowling performances for the State Central Hinds, taking 17 wickets at 18.41.
Hard hitting State Northern Spirit all-rounder Kate Pulford has been recalled having last played for the White Ferns in 2003, adding strike power to the batting.
Also returning to the team is Otago’s Suzie Bates. Bates was on duty for the New Zealand basketball team at the Beijing Olympics during the last Rose Bowl and her addition, along with Otago team mate Sarah Tsukigawa, provides the White Ferns with further batting and bowling options.
Tiffen will look to strike bowlers Browne and Sophie Devine to put pressure on the World Champions with support from the Canterbury Magician’s combination of Beth McNeil and Amy Satterthwaite.
The five match series against the number one women’s team in world cricket provides an ideal build up to the ICC Women’s World Cup in March.
Coach Gary Stead is hoping to win the series but also play his squad of 14 into form for the most coveted prize in women’s cricket.
Game one of five will be played at Cobham Oval in Whangarei on Sunday 1st February with all games being live scored on www.blackcaps.co.nz.
Squads
White Ferns: Haidee Tiffen (captain), Aimee Mason (vice captain), Suzie Bates, Nic Browne, Abby Burrows, Sophie Devine, Lucy Doolan, Sara McGlashan, Beth McNeill, Katey Martin, Rachel Priest, Kate Pulford, Amy Satterthwaite, Sarah Tsukigawa.
Australian Southern Stars: Karen Rolton (captain), Alex Blackwell (vice-captain), Sarah Andrews, Jessica Cameron, Leonie Coleman, Lauren Ebsary, Rene Farrell, Jodie Fields, Delissa Kimmince, Shelley Nitschke, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Leah Poulton, Emma Sampson, Lisa Sthalekar.
