New Zealand women, Bangladesh set for warm-up fixtures in Australia

New Zealand women and Bangladesh will play warm-up fixtures in Australia ahead of their respective white-ball series against the hosts. New Zealand will face a Governor-General’s XI, while Bangladesh will meet a Queensland XI before their October international assignments

Sydney: New Zealand and Bangladesh will have warm-up fixtures in Australia ahead of their respective white-ball series against the hosts in October, with Cricket Australia confirming the schedule for both visiting sides.

New Zealand’s women will face a Governor-General’s XI at North Sydney Oval on October 15, three days before the opening T20I of their three-match series against Australia at the same venue.

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The fixture will be particularly significant for the White Ferns as they begin a new chapter following the retirements of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu after the T20 World Cup in July. Amelia Kerr will lead the side into the series.

The Governor-General’s XI squad will be announced closer to the match and is expected to bring together emerging players and experienced talent from across Australia.

“Being selected in the Governor-General’s XI is a special honour and an opportunity that players genuinely value,” Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance and National Selector Shawn Flegler said in a statement.

“The match is an ideal opportunity for players to build valuable match practice ahead of the T20I series, while also giving emerging talent the chance to impress against quality international opposition.

“We’re excited to work alongside the Governor-General to select a Governor-General’s XI that reflects the quality and significance of this match.”

The timing of the fixture will also provide an unusual opportunity for selectors. The match falls during the T20 Spring Challenge, which features all eight WBBL clubs along with the ACT, meaning a large pool of Australia’s contracted domestic players will be in Sydney.

Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC will lead the XI for the third successive summer. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the squad will also include a player from the Australian Defence Force.

Lieutenant Meera Hyderabad, a wicketkeeper-batter and Artillery Officer in the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, has been confirmed for the fixture.

Bangladesh’s men, meanwhile, will get their own preparation match before facing Australia in a three-game ODI series. They will take on a Queensland XI at Norths on October 6, with the first ODI scheduled at Allan Border Field on October 9.

The warm-up fixtures will give both touring teams an opportunity to acclimatise and test combinations before their respective series against Australia get underway.