Mair’s pace prowess earns call-up for one-day series in Australia
Central Districts Hinds bowler Rosemary Mair is in line to make her ODI debut for the White Ferns after she was named in the squad to take on Australia in the three-match Rose Bowl series this month. Mair, of Napier, who impressed in the T20 series against India, will bolster the pace bowling attack as the New Zealand women look to win their first Rose Bowl series since 1999 when the campaign begins in Perth on February 22. “We want to give Rosemary an opportunity,” said coach Haidee Tiffen of the women’s development officer for Hawke’s Bay Cricket. “She bowls that hard, heavy length and challenges the batters, so we are looking at what she can offer in the one-day format.” The 14-strong squad also features the welcome return of Katey Martin, who was the side’s top run-scorer when they played in Australia late last year. “Katey brings plenty of experience to the middle order and is a proven performer at the international level,” Tiffen said. “She also provides plenty of energy behind the stumps which not only helps the bowlers but gets the team up.” While the White Ferns lost the ODI series to India this month, the coach said the side had the quality to compete with the classy Southern Stars. “We talk a lot about partnerships and I predict it is going to be a highscoring series. “For us, it’s about working through the ups and downs of ODI cricket — the hunger and desire is there to step up against Aussie in their own backyard.” Tiffen also talked about the need to execute the basic skills for long periods and is excited about the prospect of the pace and bounce in the Australian wickets. The Kiwis travel to Perth on Monday next week for the first ODI at the Waca Ground.