White Ferns to host Australia

Suzie Bates.

New Zealand will host Australia in a women's cricket series in February.

It will offer the White Ferns the chance to take back the Rose Bowl for the first time in 17 years.

The trophy will be contested over three ODIs in Mt Maunganui, which will double as ICC women's championship fixtures.

Australia will also play three T20 internationals in Wellington and New Plymouth.
"When it's New Zealand agianst Australia there is always something special about it, particularly at home," New Zealand captain Suzie Bates said.

"No one in our team has ever won the Rose Bowl but that only increases our hunger."

In addition, Sri Lanka are making a first visit to New Zealand, and will play five ODIs and three T20s in November. The first three ODIs will also offer points towards the women's championship.

The tour includes the first women's international at Pukekura Park since 1982.

"To have 14 days of international cricket at home is really exciting and to be playing in five different regions makes it even better," New Zealand coach Haidee Tiffen said.

The schedule:
Sri Lanka tour
Nov 3: 1st ODI, Lincoln
Nov 5: 2nd ODI, Lincoln
Nov 7: 3rd ODI Lincoln
Nov 10: 4th ODI Lincoln
Nov 13: 5th ODI, Christchurch
Nov 15: 1st T20, Christchurch
Nov 20: 2nd T20, Nelson
Nov 22: 3rd T20, Nelson
Australia tour
Feb 20: 1st ODI, Mt Maunganui
Feb 22: 2nd ODI, Mt Maunganui
Feb 24: 3rd ODI, Mt Maunganui
Feb 28: 1st T20, Wellington
March 1: 2nd T20, Wellington
March 4: 3rd T20, New Plymouth