Later start for women's State League

New Zealand's women cricketers will start their annual State League competition on December 27 with the final scheduled for January 31, at the home ground of the top qualifying team. The start to the series has been delayed in order to allow players to return from the tour of India.

Catherine Campbell, New Zealand Cricket's manager of women's cricket, said: "It's important that we have our best players competing in the State League as it lifts the standard of play considerably." She expects the prospect of positions in the White Ferns and the New Zealand A team to provide an extra edge to the competition this year.

"The White Ferns team to contest next year's six-match home and away Rosebowl Series with Australia will be chosen at the conclusion of the State League. Players who miss out on the upcoming tour of India will therefore have an opportunity to press for a place in that side. There is also the opportunity to gain selection for the New Zealand A team which will play matches against Australia and the White Ferns before the start of the Rosebowl," Campbell said.

As well as those incentives, there is also the chance for the five other teams to try to topple the State Auckland Hearts who have dominated the finals in recent seasons with four successive victories.