Maddy Green and Katie Perkins would play for the White Ferns squad in the Rosebowl series against Australia next week.
Both are in excellent form as they charged towards finals in the domestic competitions, with both impressing New Zealand Cricket National Selector Manager Kim Littlejohn in the twenty20 format.
They were in the Auckland Hearts side at the Action Cricket Cup One-Day and Action Cricket Twenty20 competitions against the Northern Spirit played in Hamilton last weekend.
“Top order batsman Green has been on the radar for some time and deserves her chance after impressing the Auckland Hearts in the Action Cricket Twenty20 competition where she has hit 150 runs at an average of 37.50.
“Perkins also demanded a spot in the squad with strong performances in the domestic competition. In seven Twenty20 innings, she hit 126 runs and was only been dismissed once. Her batting along with her world-class fielding has played a major part in the success of the Hearts this season,” Littlejohn said.
It was realisation of a lifelong dream for Perkins.
“Ever since I found out as a five year old that there was a New Zealand team that you could play for I’ve wanted to be in it, so this is an amazing feeling.”
Even though the idea of playing for New Zealand has not yet sunk in, she was sure what was key to her success during this season.
“I think everyone stepping up as a team for the Hearts has made my job a lot easier. Having the top order scoring runs and setting a foundation means you can come in and finish things off with real confidence and without so much pressure. It has been a great atmosphere to play,” she said.
The White Ferns squad of fourteen:
Suzie Bates (C) Otago Sparks; Amy Satterthwaite (VC) Canterbury Magicians; Kate Broadmore (Central Hinds); Rachel Candy (Canterbury Magicians); Lucy Doolan (Wellington Blaze); Maddy Green (Auckland Hearts); Frances Mackay (Canterbury Magicians); Katey Martin (Otago Sparks); Sara McGlashan (Central Hinds); Morna Nielsen (Northern Spirit); Katie Perkins (Auckland Hearts); Liz Perry (Wellington Blaze); Lea Tahuhu (Canterbury Magicians); Sian Ruck (Wellington Blaze)
Rose Bowl Schedule in Australia:
Jan 20, 21 & 22: First, Second and Third Twenty 20 International, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Jan 25: First One Day-International, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Jan 27 & 29: Second & Third One-Day International, Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney
Feb 1: Fourth Twenty 20 International, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Feb 3: Fifth Twenty 20 International, Melbourne Cricket Ground (Both matches would be double headers with Australia v India men’s Twenty20 International
http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/schedule/rose-bowl-in-australia/51/series.aspx
