Satterthwaite Joins NZ XI Staff | Plimmer & Halliday Return

Amy Satterthwaite, a legend of New Zealand cricket, has joined the NZ XI coaching staff for two crucial 50-over warm-up matches against SL this week in Lincoln. This marks another chapter in her post-retirement career, having played 256 internationals before stepping away from the game in 2022. Since then, she has been actively involved in coaching both in New Zealand and overseas, bringing a wealth of experience to the setup.

Satterthwaite has already made a significant impact as a Female Pathways Coach for Canterbury Cricket and as an assistant coach for the Adelaide Strikers, where she contributed to two Women’s Big Bash titles from 2022-2024. Now, she steps into this new role, eager to share her expertise with the emerging talents of NZ XI.

This warm-up series provides an invaluable opportunity for several WHITE FERNS squad members to get an early taste of SL’s gameplay before the Chemist Warehouse ODI series kicks off in Napier. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winners Georgia Plimmer and Brooke Halliday are set to make their much-anticipated return to international cricket, each playing one match as they regain their full form post-injury.

Meanwhile, former NZ U-19 stars Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp are set for their first senior international experience, having recently received their maiden call-ups to the WHITE FERNS squad. Their inclusion in these warm-up matches will allow them to test their skills against an international side, a stepping stone towards establishing themselves on the world stage.

Due to their participation in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Grand Final between Otago Sparks and Auckland Hearts, several key players were unavailable for selection. Despite this, NZ XI fields a formidable squad, led by Jess Watkin, with strong support from experienced and emerging players.

The coaching unit for these matches is an exciting mix, with NZC High Performance coach Sara McGlashan leading the team alongside Satterthwaite and Canterbury Magicians’ head coach Rhys Morgan. Speaking about her role, Satterthwaite expressed her enthusiasm for working with the squad and contributing to player development.

“I’m really looking forward to being involved with this exciting group of players. This is not only a great opportunity for my coaching development, but also a chance to give back and help young talents grow. Helping players build confidence and improve their skills is extremely rewarding,” said Satterthwaite.

She further emphasized the developmental benefits of these matches, noting that they offer players a unique chance to face new challenges and refine their game. “These games will test their abilities, expose them to different scenarios, and help them grow. It’s about finding areas for improvement while also reinforcing their belief that they can perform at the highest level.”

New Zealand XI Squad:
Jess Watkin (C) – Northern Districts
Kate Anderson – Canterbury Magicians
Ocean Bartlett – Central Hinds
Flora Devonshire – Central Hinds
Marama Downes – Northern Districts
Kate Gaging – Central Hinds
Claudia Green – Central Hinds
Brooke Halliday – Auckland Hearts
Emma McLeod – Central Hinds
Nensi Patel – Northern Districts
Georgia Plimmer – Wellington Blaze
Izzy Sharp – Canterbury Magicians
Jess Simmons – Canterbury Magicians
Eve Wolland – Northern Districts

Cricket fans will get the chance to witness these matches live, with free entry at Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Thursday, February 27, and Friday, February 28, starting at 10 AM. For those unable to attend, live-streaming will be available on NZC’s YouTube channel, and live scoring will be provided via NZC’s official website and app.

As NZ XI prepares to take on SL in these crucial warm-up fixtures, the focus will be on player development, strategy refinement, and early insights into the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses. With Satterthwaite adding her invaluable experience to the coaching setup, the stage is set for an exciting prelude to the main series.