White Ferns Train in India to Prepare for Cricket World Cup

The New Zealand women’s cricket team, known as the White Ferns, has embarked on a training camp in India as part of their preparations for the upcoming Cricket World Cup. The team is set to compete in the tournament from September to November 2023, with their first match scheduled against Australia on October 1, 2023.

Ten batters have joined the Chennai Super Kings Academy to acclimatise to the challenging conditions they will encounter during the tournament. Ben Sawyer, the White Ferns’ coach, emphasized the significance of this experience, noting that the intense heat and spin-friendly pitches in India provide a unique opportunity for the players to hone their skills. “It’s a dream come true to have those conditions,” Sawyer remarked.

The training camp offers players the chance to engage with numerous net bowlers, an experience that cannot be replicated at their home training facility in Lincoln, New Zealand. The players are practicing in temperatures reaching the high 30s Celsius, allowing them to adapt to the heat while facing bowlers of various styles. Sawyer stated that the academy has provided up to 30 net bowlers in a single session, enhancing the players’ preparation.

This initiative marks the first time funding has been allocated in the budget for a specialized overseas batting camp. Sawyer highlighted the importance of this training, explaining that back home, their bowlers cannot bowl for extended periods, especially during winter when cricket is not in season. “Our batters have had the bat in their hands for two, two and a half hours, every single day,” he added.

To further support the team’s preparation, Sawyer consulted with High Performance Sport New Zealand regarding acclimatization strategies. Experts recommended that players adapt to the heat a couple of months before the competition, then return home, and acclimatise again two weeks prior to the tournament. The White Ferns’ nutritionist is also working with the players to ensure they are properly fueled throughout their training in the heat.

For those not traveling to India, additional training in heat chambers and cycling sessions are being conducted in New Zealand to maintain fitness and readiness. Sawyer expressed gratitude towards Liz Green, the high-performance boss, for securing the budget for this crucial camp, stating, “I hope we’re doing everything right to give us the best chance at the World Cup.”

Prior to the World Cup, the White Ferns will face England in warm-up matches in Dubai. This comprehensive training plan aims to ensure that the team is fully prepared for the challenges ahead as they aim for success in the global tournament.