England women to hold camp in Queenstown, play in Dunedin

THE last days of February are shaping up to be something of a feast for Dunedin sports fans.

First up, the Australian men’s cricket team is scheduled to be in the city to take on the Black Caps in a twenty20 international at the University of Otago Oval on February 25.

Then the next day the White Ferns will take on England in a oneday international at the same venue. That night the Highlanders kick off the Super Rugby Aoteaora competition with a game against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The month will wrap up with another ODI between the White Ferns and England at the University of Otago Oval on February 28. It is also Orientation week so there is plenty happening down that end of town.

New Zealand Cricket announced yesterday both the English and the Australian women’s sides will tour later in the season.

It will also be a bonus for Queenstown, which will host the

English team for a nineday training camp. It will finish with two games against a New Zealand XI on February 14 and 16.

QueenstownLakes Mayor Jim Boult said the visit would provide a boost to the local economy and would further showcase the district to a global audience.

“I’m grateful for the support we’ve received from the Govern

ment,” Boult said.

“These visits have made a welcome impact and have highlighted just how special our district is. It’s terrific to see cricket being played again at the Sir John Davies Oval, one of the world’s most beautiful cricket grounds.”

The England side will arrive in New Zealand on January 26 and undergo the mandatory 14day managed isolation period before playing the White Ferns in three ODIs and three T20s from February 23 to March 7.

Less than a week after England departs, Australia will arrive in the country and undergo managed isolation before of three T20s at Hamilton’s Seddon Park and three

Rose Bowl ODIs at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval.

England is the reigning ODI world champion, beating India in the World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 while Australia women hold the mantle as T20 World Champions after defeating India in the final of the T20 World Cup in Melbourne last year.

Four of the T20s — three against England and one against Australia — will be doubleheaders alongside Black Caps fixtures, and two ODIs — both against England — will be part of backtoback events in which the White Ferns will play at the same venue the day after the Black Caps.