Six games in trans-Tasman Rosebowl series in 2004

New Zealand's White Ferns will play six one-day matches in the Rosebowl Series against Australia in February next year. The six games will form a home and away series with the first three games being played in New Zealand and the last three being played in Australia.

The first match of the series is on Wednesday, February 11 at Eden Park and will be televised live on Sky Television. The next two matches will be played at Hamilton's Westpac Park.

The three matches in Australia will be played in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania respectively. Australia is the Rosebowl holder, having beaten the TelstraClear White Ferns 3-0 earlier this year when the matches were integrated into the Word Series played at Lincoln University.

Mike Shrimpton, the coach of the White Ferns, said Australia presented a formidable challenge. "Australia is currently the premier team in the world in women's cricket and they showed that with their dominance in last year's Rosebowl and World Series."

"They have a core of very experienced and talented players who consistently perform. However, our team is looking forward to the challenge of an extended home and way series and we are confident we can compete against the world's premier team."

The Rosebowl Series itinerary is:

February 11, Eden Park (Auckland - televised); February 15, Westpac Park (Hamilton); February 17, Hamilton; February 21, Bankstown Oval (Sydney); February 25, Albert Ground (Melbourne), February 27, Bellerive Oval (Hobart).