Wellington Blaze announce squad for the upcoming Domestic Series

Wellington Blaze have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 competition (Women's Burger King Super Smash) and the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield One-Day competition.



Thamsyn Newton and Rebecca Burns are the two members added to the squad for the first round of the T20 League; which will be played at the Lincoln from October 25. Both the players have returned to the Blaze again after their term ended with Canterbury and Central Districts respectively.



Experienced all-rounder Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr will also be a part of the team. But they will be unavailable for the competition now due to national duty. So, New Zealand A players Jessica Kerr, Jessica McFadyen, and Liz Perry will contribute in their absence. Coach van Dyk has also selected two more players as part of an extended training squad. They are Xara Jetly and Bhagya Herath.



Rachel Priest, Lucy Doolan and Thamsyn Newton have been selected in the squad; who are looking forward to performing well which can eventually help them to get back into the national team under the guidance of the coach, van Dyk. Newton has played in the Big Bash league last year, her all-round experience will surely help Blaze in this series.



Christie van Dyk, the Head Coach of Blaze said, "We've got a great bunch of girls in the squad and there's a real sense of togetherness so I'm looking forward to seeing how that shows out in the middle."



Coach van Dyk is confident about the captaincy of Liz Perry which he said would be crucial for the team to a successful series. "Liz is an outstanding captain and leader. Our relationship is really strong and that's important because how we get the best out of people will be the key to succeeding this season. She's not afraid to tell me if I'm doing things wrong and that's a really important quality to have as a captain and a leader."



The Blaze will start their Women's Burger King Super Smash campaign against Canterbury Magicians on October 25.



Complete Fixtures Here



Squad:



Liz Perry (Captain), Suzie McDonald, Allex Evans, Jessica Kerr, Rachel Priest, Deanna Doughty, Jessica McFadyen, Wheturangi Charteris, Lucy Doolan, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Beth Molony, Caitlyn King, Thamsyn Newton, Rebecca Burns



Training players:



Xara Jetly, Bhagya Herath