Bates to lead New Zealand against England Women

Suzie Bates will lead New Zealand Women's 14-member squad for the upcoming home series against England. The squad remains unchanged from the line-up that recently lost the Rose Bowl and a bilateral Twenty20 series against Australia.

England will begin their tour with three matches against an Emerging Players XI before facing New Zealand in five Twenty20s, starting February 17, followed by three one-dayers.

"We have named an unchanged squad of 14 players following a hard-fought series in Australia," NZC national selection manager Kim Littlejohn said. "The White Ferns are continuing to build with the players selected expected to form the basis of the side for many years to come. We believe this is a talented squad who are making strides in the right direction.

"We are looking forward to seeing how they progress in this series as we head towards the Twenty20 World Cup later in the year."

Team coach Gary Stead said: "With a fairly young squad, the more experienced players will play a significant role as we face the challenge of playing the best side in women's cricket.

"Although we didn't get the results we were hoping for, there were a number of impressive individual performances, especially from new comers Katie Perkins and Maddy Green. It's pleasing that new players coming in are creating genuine competition for places.

"Playing against England will be a great experience for this young side and we look forward to a highly competitive series."