Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars to tour New Zealand

Australia's female youth side, the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars, will contest four limited-over matches against New Zealand A in February next year, Cricket Australia announced today.

It is the first time since 2000 that the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars will play away from Australian shores.

That last international tour, which included now-established national players Lisa Sthalekar, Emma Twining, Michelle Goszko and Melissa Bulow, was also a four-match one-day series against New Zealand A.

The two sides most recently met in a four-match limited-over series in February last year, in which the Australian youth side prevailed 3-1.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the four-match series would help build the international experience of Australia's young female players.

"One of Cricket Australia's strategic priorities is to work with other international cricket bodies to develop more international fixtures for female cricketers, particularly the youth sides," said Mr Sutherland.

"The opportunity to travel and compete away from home under different playing conditions will provide the players with important international touring experience.

"The tour will certainly hold the players in good stead as they progress on the cricket pathway to higher honours."

The youth side's international schedule runs in conjunction with the national team, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, who are also contesting a limited-overs series against their New Zealand counterparts.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will play six one-day internationals against New Zealand in the annual battle for the Rose Bowl trophy. The six-match series will be split across the Tasman, with three matches in New Zealand before the return games in Australia.

The Australian youth team will be selected by the national selection panel, comprising former Australian players Margaret Jennings (Chairperson) and Wendy Weir, and former Australian coach Peter Bakker on 19 January 2004.

The team will assemble on 4 February 2004 for a pre-tour camp and depart for New Zealand on 6 February 2004.

The Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars schedule is:

The Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars squad is:

Sarah Aley (NSW)
Charlotte Anneveld (NSW)
Sarah Andrews (NSW)
Kelly Applebee (VIC)
Kate Blackwell (NSW)
Reanna Browne (QLD)
Renee Chappell (WA)
Sarah Edwards (VIC)
Nicole Goodwin (NSW)
Julie Hunter (VIC)
Zoe Kissane (WA)
Kasee Marxsen (QLD)
Emily McIntyre (VIC)
Ingrid Noack (VIC)
Veronica Pike (TAS)
Jodie Purves (QLD)
Leteysha Randall (QLD)
Rikki Lee Rimmington (QLD)
Lauren Stammers (WA)
Julie Woerner (SA/NT)