Cricket has begun. The game, post-pandemic, seems to have kick-started with England men’s team facing the West Indies. There are, naturally, other bilateral series lined up as well. New Zealand is an important country for women’s cricket. The upcoming one-day world cup is scheduled in New Zealand and all eyes are on International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, the hosts have named Sophie Devine as their permanent captain. Devine got the charge of captaincy in January. Her appointment was before the T20 World Cup where the White Ferns failed to put a satisfactory performance. Moreover, reports further say that Satterthwaite will be the vice-captain when she returns.
Devine, on her appointment, said that “It’s a huge honor and privilege to be awarded the White Ferns captaincy”. She further added that “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as captain over the past season. It was challenging results-wise at times, but I feel we are moving in the right direction as a team, both with our cricket and our team culture”.
The Head Coach of the side, Bob Carter, commentated that “I’m very much looking forward to working with Amy who has an exceptional cricketing brain and I feel we can form a strong leadership partnership in combination with a well-established leadership group”.
He added that “Amy is on the comeback to cricket after giving birth and she is progressing really well. Having her experience, knowledge, and leadership working alongside Sophie is only going to benefit the team”. New Zealand has a lot of expectations as it will host the 2021 ODI world cup.
The recent run of ICC events has shown that home teams have an edge in the run to the knockouts. Internationally, New Zealand has been consistent in their outings but the dearth and desire of a cup will be felt better by none. For a skipper, it is important to mark his players and prepare her side for mental and physical challenges that follow such an anticipated tournament.
Teams like India and Australia will present a tough competition to White Ferns who will wish to see their crowd happy and satisfied.
Loves all things female cricket