Green and Perkins announced as new Whiteferns

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

Green and Perkins announced as new Whiteferns

The Hearts have two new internationals amongst their ranks with the announcement that Maddy Green and Katie Perkins have been named in the White Ferns squad to play the Rosebowl series against Australia later in January.

Green and Perkins have been in excellent form for the Hearts as they have charged towards finals contention in the domestic competitions, with both particularly impressing New Zealand Cricket National Selector Manager Kim Littlejohn in the twenty20 format.

"Top order batsman Maddy Green has been on the radar for some time and deserves her chance after impressing for the Auckland Hearts in the Action Cricket Twenty20 competition where she has hit 150 runs at an average of 37.50.

"Katie Perkins also demanded a spot in the squad with strong performances in the domestic competition. In seven Twenty20 innings Perkins has hit 126 runs and only been dismissed once. Her batting along with her world-class fielding has played a major part in the success of the Hearts this season."

For Perkins it's the realisation of a life-long dream.

"Ever since I found out as a five year old that there was a New Zealand team that you could play for I've wanted to be in it, so this is an amazing feeling."

Even though the idea of playing for New Zealand hasn't quite sunk in for her, Perkins is sure of one thing - what the key to her success this season has been.

"I think that everyone stepping up as a team for the Hearts has made my job a lot easier. Having the top order scoring runs and setting a foundation means you can come in and finish things off with real confidence and without so much pressure - it's been a great atmosphere to play in."

Green and Perkins will be in the Auckland Hearts side that will attempt to book finals places in the both the Action Cricket Cup one day and Action Cricket Twenty20 competitions against the Northern Spirit this weekend in Hamilton.

The White Ferns squad of fourteen is as follows:

Suzie Bates (c) - Otago Sparks
Amy Satterthwaite (vc) - Canterbury Magicians
Kate Broadmore- Central Hinds
Rachel Candy- Canterbury Magicians
Lucy Doolan - Wellington Blaze
Maddy Green- Auckland Hearts
Frances Mackay - Canterbury Magicians
Katey Martin - Otago Sparks
Sara McGlashan- Central Hinds
Morna Nielsen - Northern Spirit
Katie Perkins - Auckland Hearts
Liz Perry - Wellington Blaze
Lea Tahuhu- Canterbury Magicians
Sian Ruck - Wellington Blaze

Rose Bowl Schedule in Australia:
http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/schedule/rose-bowl-in-australia/51/series.aspx

20/01/2012 - 1st Twenty 20 International, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
21/01/2012 - 2nd Twenty 20 International, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
22/01/2012 - 3rd Twenty 20 International, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
25/01/2012 - 1st One-Day International, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
27/01/2012 - 2nd One-Day International, Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney
29/01/2012 - 3rd One-Day International, Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney
* 1/02/2012 - 4th Twenty 20 International, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
* 3/02/2012 - 5th Twenty 20 International, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

* Double header with Australia v India men's Twenty20 International

ENDS

© Scoop Media