Hannah Francis Added For Auckland Clash

The Spotlight Reporting Wellington Blaze make one change to their squad as they travel to Auckland for the last rounds of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield before the break.

Hannah Francis draws into the 13-strong squad to take on the Auckland Hearts at the Kennards Hire Community Oval at Eden Park this weekend.

Francis is an exciting prospect for Wellington, having played in both the U17 and U19 National Tournaments last season. The all-rounder debuted for the Blaze late in the 2022/23 HBJ Shield campaign, taking her first professional wicket against the Central Hinds.

After knocking a career-best score 147 Hamilton two weeks ago, WHITE FERN Georgia Plimmer is unavailable for selection due to international duty, as the national team plays their ODI series against Pakistan.

Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, and Sophie Devine are also included in the WHITE FERNS squad and are unavailable for selection.

Rounds 5 and 6 of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield will take place at Kennards Hire Community Oval in Auckland on December 9th and 10th. Play is scheduled to begin at 10:30am on both days. Live streaming and scoring will be available on NZC’s website.

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WELLINGTON BLAZE | HBJ SHIELD ROUND 5-6  vs AUCKLAND | Kennards Hire Community Oval, December 8-9 2023

Leigh Kasperek (c)

Nicole Baird

Rebecca Burns

Rachel Bryant

Kate Chandler

Natasha Codyre

Hannah Francis

Xara Jetly

Caitlin King

Jess McFadyen (wk)

Monique Rees

Gemma Sims

Phoenix Williams