Maia Lewis returns to New Zealand women's team

Former New Zealand women's captain Maia Lewis is the surprise selection in the TelstraClear White Ferns to play in the World Series of Women's Cricket which starts with a replay of the final of the last World Cup at Bert Sutcliffe Oval tomorrow.

Lewis' recall comes in the wake of the loss of experience in the national side resulting from retirements, unavailabilities and non-selection of members of the 2000 CricInfo Women's World Cup-winning side.

Her presence will bolster the side which is in a rebuilding phase before the next World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa in 2005.

Lewis, who played for the Wellington women's side this year, and who captained the New Zealand A side during warm-up matches against sides competing in biggest women's cricket event outside the World Cup, last played for New Zealand in 1997.

She had suffered major knee problems and took some time away from cricket but returned to Wellington this summer and has been an influential player in that side's recovery.

While never having played to the potential she offered in the earlier stages of her career as a hard-hitting batsman, Lewis, with more experience, can be expected to give a lift to the batting strength of the New Zealand side. She has played 42 One-Day Internationals.

Other new caps in the side are Canterbury left-arm orthodox spin bowler Rebecca Steele, Auckland captain Michelle Lynch and Wellington right-arm medium pacer Amanda Green.

New Zealand women's selection convener Lesley Murdoch said having a left-arm orthodox spin bolwer was an exciting addition to the New Zealand side and such a bowler was rare in the women's game.

Steele is a recent convert to spinning having previously been a left-arm medium pacer.

"Green bowls consistent channels and can bowl both into the wind and down wind," Murdoch said.

"Lynch is an aggressive batsman who will be a great asset to the top order," Murdoch added.

The full side is: Emily Drumm (captain, Auckland), Nicola Browne (Northern Districts), Amanda Green (Wellington), Frances King (Wellington), Maia Lewis (Wellington), Michelle Lynch (Auckland), Sara McGlashan (Central Districts), Aimee Mason (Central Districts), Louise Milliken (Northern Districts), Nicola Payne (Canterbury), Kate Pulford (Central Districts), Rebecca Rolls (Auckland), Rebecca Steele (Canterbury), Haidee Tiffen (Canterbury).