Queensland and NSW battle in women's final series

The Queensland Fire and New South Wales Breakers will have their final chance to impress the national selectors for the home series against India when they play the Women's National Cricket League finals at North Sydney Oval from Friday. NSW, who have been the dominant team in the competition this season with seven wins from eight matches, will host the best-of-three series as they chase a record eighth title since 1996-97.

After losing to Victoria in last year's deciders, Lisa Keightley, the Breakers coach who is in her first year alongside the captain Lisa Sthalekar, said they expected a tough contest against Queensland. "We have played good attacking cricket in the preliminary matches and our aim will be to continue to be consistent across the finals series," she said. "We had some success against Queensland earlier in the season but the players know this will be a genuine contest against an in-form team who are coming off wins against Victoria."

The Fire will make their second finals appearance and have been given a boost with Jodie Purves fit to take back her regular spot with the gloves. Purves, a former Australian youth wicketkeeper-batter, was given a conditional all-clear by the coach Jo Broadbent to resume her duties after being rested in the final two games of the regular season with a calf problem. The switch allows Julia Price to focus on her middle-order role.

Kirby Short, a state under-19 offspinner, was added to the 12-strong squad to give the side extra flexibility and Angela Murnane, another slow bowler, has retained her spot. "With a three-game series we wanted to have an extra player," Broadbent said. "We understand we are the underdogs but we're not that unhappy about it because it means less pressure.

"The girls know what they are capable of and I sense they've developed a real belief in themselves in the last couple of months. The way we've been able to chase targets and get them in our last three games ... that's something we've not been able to do for quite a few years and it's a really good sign." The series continues with matches on Saturday and Sunday, if required.

NSW Breakers squad Lisa Sthalekar (capt), Alex Blackwell, Sarah Aley, Sarah Andrews, Charlotte Anneveld, Kate Blackwell, Nicole Goodwin, Michelle Goszko, Julie Hayes, Emma Liddell, Leah Poulton, Martha Winch, Jenny Wallace.

Queensland Fire squad Mel Bulow (capt), Jodie Purves, Lou Broadfoot, Kasee Marxsen, Julia Price, Belinda Matheson, Tricia Brown, Jude Coleman, Megan White, Angela Murnane, Kirsten Pike, Rikki-Lee Rimmington, Kirby Short.