Leigh Kasperek returns to lead Wellington Blaze

Leigh Kasperek is all set to take over the reins of Wellington Blaze for the next round of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield this weekend. The off-spinner, who missed the opening round of matches a fortnight ago, will step in for Deanna Doughty who led the side in her absence.

Wellington will be strengthened by the return of the New Zealand international who has successfully recovered from injury. Having recorded a win and a loss in their opening fixtures against Auckland Hearts, the squad are now set to clash with Central Hinds, the defending champions, in the third and fourth rounds of the competition.

Thamsyn Newton, the allrounder who started the campaign on a positive note, Liz Green-Perry, Jess McFayden, and Rebecca Burns will continue to play important roles with the bat, while Kasperek and Doughty will likely lead their charge with the ball.

Saturday’s (November 30) match will mark Kasperek’s first outing for Wellington, since having transferred over from Otago Sparks. She is one of two additions to the squad that played the opening two rounds of the tournament. Georgia Plimmer, the 15-year-old batter, has been called in as a replacement for Whetu Campbell who is unavailable.

Wellington's international quartet of Rachel Priest, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr continue to be unavailable due to their commitments in the Women's Big Bash League.

Squad: Leigh Kasperek (c), Deanna Doughty, Rebecca Burns, Natasha Codyre, Allex Evans, Xara Jetly, Jess Kerr, Caitlin King, Jess McFadyen, Beth Molony, Thamsyn Newton, Liz Green-Perry, Georgia Plimmer, Maneka Singh.