Experienced New Zealand A Squad Named to Take on England A

Strong New Zealand A sides have been named to take on England A.

A domestic and internationally experienced New Zealand A squad has been named to play England A, with seven players having White Ferns experience named across the two squads. The two squads will play T20s (T20) and One Day (OD) games against their opposition.

It is the first time that New Zealand A will play for more than 20 years with the last time being in 2002 against Australian youth sides. It is also the first time that they will go face-to-face with another A-level opponent. 

Hayley Jensen will lead the side with Kate Anderson (T20 & OD), Bernie Bezuidenhout (T20 game one), Leigh Kasperek (OD & T20 game one), Molly Penfold (T20 & OD), Georgia Plimmer (T20 & OD), and Eden Carson (OD), being the players to have been selected with that international experience.

Claudia Green (T20) and Nensi Patel (OD) have both been in White Ferns squads in the past as well.

Youth also has been reflected in the squad with the inclusions of Sarah Asmussen (T20), Emma Black (OD), Prue Catton (T20 & OD games 2+3), Flora Devonshire (T20), Bree Illing (T20), and Jess Simmons (OD). 

Domestic form and potential players who NZC as future White Ferns were some of the was one of the major selection factors in the squad, something that NZC Head of Women’s High-Performance Liz Green highlighted.

“There was a key focus on looking at high-priority development prospects and identifying where they could fit in the future White Ferns set-up.

“Picking two squads has allowed us to expose a host of different players at this next level and test their readiness for international cricket.”

Caitlin Blakely (OD), Mikaela Greig (T20 & OD), Polly Inglis (T20 & OD), and Saachi Shahri (OD & T20 games 2+3) were all rewarded with strong domestic performances throughout the summer.

Green also highlighted how the A programme is something NZC has been working to develop and grow players.

“It speaks to our broader pathway strategy focused on providing more playing opportunities for our talented athletes.

On her selection as captain of the side, Jensen stated:

“I’ve been around cricket for a long time now and I’m really excited to have this opportunity to step up and lead the sides.”

Central Hinds coach, Jacob Oram will lead the side in the T20 format with Otago Sparks coach, Craig Cumming taking the reins for the one-day part of the tour. Sara McGlashan and Graeme Aldridge (NZC Pathway coaches) will assist across the tour.

New Zealand A T20 Squad

Kate Anderson

Sarah Asmussen

Bernadine Bezuidenhout (Game 1 only)

Prue Catton

Flora Devonshire

Claudia Green

Mikaela Greig

Bree Illing

Polly Inglis

Hayley Jensen (C)

Leigh Kasperek

Molly Penfold

Georgia Plimmer 

Saachi Shahri (Games 2 & 3)

*Bernadine Bezuidenhout will be available for selection in the first T20 fixture to obtain game time ahead of the White Ferns Life Direct T20I series against England as part of her return from injury.

New Zealand A One-Day Squad

Kate Anderson 

Caitlin Blakely

Emma Black 

Eden Carson 

Prue Catton (Games 2 & 3)

Mikaela Greig 

Polly Inglis

Hayley Jensen (C) 

Leigh Kasperek (Game 1)

Nensi Patel

Molly Penfold

Georgia Plimmer

Jess Simmons 

Saachi Shahri

*Leigh Kasperek will transition into the White Ferns squad for the 4th and 5th Life Direct T20I.

NZ A v England A Schedule

Thursday 14 March – Warm-up T20 v England

Saturday 16 March – 1st T20, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown

Sunday 17 March – 2nd T20, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown

Wednesday 20 March – 3rd T20, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown

Saturday 23 March – 1st One Day, University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

Thursday 28 March – 2nd One Day, Saxton Oval, Nelson

Saturday 30 March – 3rd One Day, Saxton Oval, Nelson