After having a poor show against England recently, New Zealand are all set to take on Australia at home for a limited-overs series (three T20Is and as many ODIs) from March 28. Despite having a great show in the domestic tournament White Ferns failed to keep their momentum on against a full-strength England team. However, before taking on mighty Aussies they need to fix a lot of things as well.
As far as the batting unit is concerned, they have failed miserably, including their captain Sophie Devine. After having a stunning show in the Women’s Big Bash League last year and a successful domestic tournament, many hoped to see her in that form against England too but she failed to live up to the expectations.
On the other hand, Brooke Halliday, who had a dream debut against England, is likely to put up a great show against Australia too. However, apart from her, veteran Amy Satterthwaite has been among runs and her presence will give the team much-needed strength too. Meanwhile, Amelia Kerr’s presence will strengthen their middle-order. However, they all have to click together to counter-attack a full-strength Australia.
Meanwhile, Australia have plenty of option in their entire squad. Moreover, their key player Ellyse Perry has returned to the squad alongside Tayla Vlaeminck. While Perry’s all-round contribution is nothing new, Vlaeminck’s inclusion in the playing eleven will strengthen their bowling attack. However, they have Megan Schutt – the pace spearhead, who has the ability to dismal any batting attack single-handedly.
But, Australia wouldn’t get the service of the all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who was earlier named to the squad. But due to a stress reaction in her right femur, she has been ruled out and the off-spinner Molly Strano replaced her in the squad. On the other hand, Delissa Kimmince too wouldn’t be there as she is on a break from the game.
However, they have uncapped Darcie Brown, who can bowl rapid outswingers. And, Georgia Wareham, Ashleigh Gardner and Belinda Vakarewa will be available to look after the spin department as well. While there is a possibility of Brown and Darlington could make their debuts; Belinda Vakarewa and Tahlia McGrath could make their T20I debuts too alongside Strano, who could play her maiden ODI for Australia.
On the other hand, New Zealand will get the service of their pace spearhead Lea Tahuhu, who sustained an injury during their last series against England.
As far as the batting unit is concerned, they have in-form Beth Mooney, swashbuckling opener Alyssa Healy, captain Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes, Gardner and others. And, if any day their top-order fails to contribute, their strong middle-order can manage to put up a decent total as well as to chase them.
Meanwhile, Australia have not lost a T20I series since late 2017, including two World Cup titles. And, the Rose Bowl trophy too Australia have held for more than two decades now. However, Australia are also on the verge of making another record as they are on a 21-game winning streak in ODIs. After equalling the world record held by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting’s team of 2003 against the New Zealand team last October, they have a chance to create the world record as well.
New Zealand Squads:
T20I: Sophie Devine (C), Amy Satterthwaite (VC), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Frankie Mackay, Katey Martin (WK), Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe
ODI: Sophie Devine (C), Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Frankie Mackay, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin (WK), Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite (VC), Lea Tahuhu
Australia Squads:
Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes (VC), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (WK), Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Georgia Wareham, Belinda Vakarewa, Tayla Vlaeminck
