White Ferns Cricket Team Faces Sri Lanka in ODI Series with New Players

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The White Ferns cricket team is gearing up to face Sri Lanka in a series of one-day internationals, with three new players set to make their debut. One of these players is Bree Illing, a 21-year-old left-arm seamer from Auckland, who recently received her first White Ferns call-up. Illing's journey to the national team has been marked by hard work and determination, having almost given up the game due to a debilitating injury as a teenager. However, with the help of her physio, who is a former first-class cricketer, she was able to make a full return to the game and is now ready to take on the challenge of playing for the White Ferns.

Illing's selection to the White Ferns squad is a testament to her skills and dedication to the sport. She has had a strong domestic summer of cricket, playing in both the T20 Super Smash and the 50-over Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HBJ). Her Auckland Hearts team made it to the HBJ final, and Illing was the second-top wicket taker in the competition, taking 16 wickets. She enjoys playing 50-over cricket, which she believes is a real bowler's game, and is looking forward to being a part of the White Ferns squad and learning from experienced players like Jess Kerr and Hannah Rowe.

The White Ferns team will be facing Sri Lanka in three one-day internationals, followed by three T20s. The series is an important one for the team, as they look to build on their recent performances and develop their skills further. With the addition of new players like Illing, the team is hoping to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the game. The cricket community in New Zealand is excited to see the White Ferns in action, and the team is expected to put on a good show. The series will be a great opportunity for the team to test their skills and prepare for future tournaments, including the ICC World Cup.

The White Ferns squad for the series against Sri Lanka includes a mix of experienced and new players. The team will be led by experienced players like Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine, who will be looking to guide the new players and help them settle into the team. The squad also includes other new players, such as Leiataualesa Susana Lei'ataua, who will be making their debut for the White Ferns. The team's schedule for the series is as follows:

• First ODI: Napier
• Second ODI: Napier
• Third ODI: Hamilton
• First T20: Auckland
• Second T20: Wellington
• Third T20: Christchurch

The White Ferns' series against Sri Lanka is an important one for women's cricket in New Zealand, as it provides an opportunity for the team to develop their skills and build on their recent performances. The team is hoping to use the series as a stepping stone to prepare for future tournaments, including the ICC World Cup. With the addition of new players like Illing, the team is looking to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the game, and the series is expected to be an exciting one for fans of women's cricket in New Zealand.