Trans-Tasman rivals to face off ahead of World Cup

41475 Jodie Fields
41475 Jodie Fields

Australia will face traditional rivals the New Zealand in a series of three T20 international matches before they depart for the ICC Women's World Cup India 2013 later this month.

Junction Oval will host all three matches, which includes a double-header on 22 January, followed by the third match on 24 January.

Cricket Australia (CA) will stream the matches live in Australia and New Zealand on cricket.com.au.

Both sides have named their ICC Women's World Cup India 2013 squads to also line-up for this series.

Australia coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick said her side will use the matches to gain some vital international match experience ahead of the ICC Women's World Cup India 2013, which will be held in Mumbai from 31 January - 17 February, 2013.

"We have selected a strong squad for the ICC Women's World Cup and these matches will provide those players with a great opportunity to have a solid hit-out against a tough opposition before departing for India," Fitzpatrick said.

"It's exciting to have a few new players joining the squad for such a big event on the international calendar. There a number of players in the squad who have not played in a 50-over World Cup previously and they will bring great energy and enthusiasm to the group."