Australia lock in New Zealand tour with eye on new world record

Australia's women's team will return to action in late March on a tour of New Zealand which includes three T20Is and three ODIs.

The T20I series will be held in Hamilton on March 28, 30 and April 1 followed by the ODIs in Mount Maunganui on April 4, 7 and 10.

The first ODI will be a chance for Meg Lanning's team to surpass the record for consecutive victories in the format having equaled the mark of 21 set by Ricky Ponting's side in 2003 when the two sides met last year in Brisbane.

On that occasion Australia won the T20I series 2-1 and the ODIs 3-0.

The tour, along with the preceding visit by England, help fill the gap created by the postponement of the ODI World Cup until next year. There had been talk of the three teams being involved in a triangular series but they will be two separate tours.

"We're very grateful to the New Zealand government for supporting and enabling these women's tours and for creating an environment in which they can proceed," David White, the NZC CEO said.

"And with the ICC Women's World Cup to be hosted in New Zealand next summer, it's particularly important that teams are able to play and compete and develop their games ahead of such a significant tournament."

Australia had been due to host India in mid-January but that series has been pushed back to next season.

The squad in New Zealand will undergo two weeks managed isolation on arrival.