Rebecca Burns Named Captain as Blaze Prepare for Season Opener

Opening batter Rebecca Burns is set to lead her side for the first time this weekend as the Blaze name their 12-strong squad ahead of Rounds 1 & 2 of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield this weekend at the Cello Basin Reserve.

Jess Kerr and Leigh Kasperek return from WHITE FERNS duty after winning the T20 World Cup and will look to continue their good form this weekend when the Central Hinds come to town.

With Rebecca Burns leading the squad for the first time, Leigh Kasperek will act as vice-captain, providing support to Burns as she takes the reins for the first time.

“It’s an honour to be selected captain of Wellington for our HBJ campaign”, said Burns.

“We’ve got an awesome group of girls here and I’m excited for the opportunity to lead them. Leigh as vice-captain with her experience and knowledge of the game will be great resource for me to go to".

“We have an exciting group of talent coming through and the group is looking forward to getting our campaign underway this weekend, it’s been a big pre-season, and we are excited and ready to get out there and play some cricket”, she said.

WHITE FERN Georgia Plimmer is unavailable this weekend due to precaution around a minor leg injury.

Regular wicketkeeper Jess McFadyen is on her way back from a head knock earlier in the year, and Kate Chandler is dealing with a shoulder injury. All other contracted players are available for selection.

Watch Rounds 1 & 2 of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield from 10:30am on the 16th and 17th of November at the Cello Basin Reserve. Entry to the ground is free and live scoring and streaming will be available on NZC’s website.

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Wellington Blaze | Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Rounds 1 & 2 | Cello Basin Reserve

Rebecca Burns (c)

Leigh Kasperek (vc)

Nicole Baird

Rachel Bryant

Natasha Codyre

Hannah Francis

Antonia Hamilton (wk)

Jess Kerr

Caitlin King

Gemma Sims

Xara Jetly

Phoenix Williams

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