Tashkoff makes Firebirds, Georgeson and Doughty return | Squad News for Dream11 Super Smash Round 5 vs CD

Another game, another potential debut for the Firebirds as allrounder Jesse Tashkoff joins the squad along with Luke Georgeson.

The Spotlight Reporting Wellington Blaze welcome Dee Doughty to their ranks, who captains their 50-over side.

Central Districts come to town this Saturday 7^th January where the Firebirds and Blaze look to continue the good times against the CD teams after each picking up wins in Palmerston North.

Firebirds

Coming off their first loss of the season last time out, the top-of-the-table clash against the Stags will test the Firebirds’ strengths.

Nathan Smith (sickness) comes out of the squad, giving way to Luke Georgeson. In a like-for-like change, Georgeson the allrounder will look to give both bat and ball depth to the Firebirds lineup looking to bounce back from posting a low total last round.

Jesse Tashkoff makes his first appearance in the big squad, the 22-year-old allrounder has represented New Zealand at the U19 level and brings left-arm finger spin and a powerful right-hand bat to the squad. Tashkoff comes in for McPeake, who was the 12^th man last time out.

Captain Peter Younghusband and his team know the Central Stags pose a threat, closing out a razor-thin victory of 2 runs last time out in a game that came down to the last delivery.

This blockbuster top-of-the-table clash is not to be missed, broadcasting on Spark Sport and TVNZ 1 on Saturday 7^th January from 1:40pm.

BLAZE

The Spotlight Reporting Wellington Blaze kept their incredible form going with a thrashing of the Northern Brave last time out, keeping their perfect record on the season.

One change to the squad for this Saturday’s game, WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine will miss tomorrow's match as a precaution due to some foot discomfort.

Dee Doughty joins in her stead, making her season debut in the shorter format after captaining the Blaze in the 50-over domestic competition, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.

After beating the Central Hinds comfortably last time out in Palmerston North, the Spotlight Reporting Blaze will be looking to once again take control of the game early and use their skill and experience to shut it down.

The Blaze play an earlier 10am game on Saturday, facing off against the Central Hinds at the Cello Basin Reserve, streaming LIVE on Spark Sport.

Wellington Blaze squad | Dream11 Super Smash | v Central Hinds

• Amelia Kerr (Captain)
• Leigh Kasperek (Vice Captain)
• Nicole Baird
• Rebecca Burns
• Dee Doughty
• Maddy Green
• Jess Kerr
• Caitlin King
• Jess McFadyen
• Thamsyn Newton
• Maneka Singh
• Xara Jetly

Wellington Firebirds squad | Dream11 Super Smash | v Central Stags

• Peter Younghusband (c)
• Callum McLachlan (wk)
• Devan Vishvaka
• Luke Georgeson
• Nick Kelly
• Rachin Ravindra
• Troy Johnson
• Ollie Newton
• Tim Robinson
• Logan van Beek
• Michael Snedden
• Jesse Tashkoff

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