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GG's XI: All you need to know

Your complete guide to the annual Governor-General's XI match, which will feature New Zealand in a 50-over clash at Sydney's Drummoyne Oval

What is it?

The Governor-General’s XI match – inspired by the traditional Prime Minister’s XI game – pits some of the best young female players in Australia against a touring team.

On Thursday, the GG’s XI will contest a 50-over fixture against New Zealand at Drummoyne Oval ahead of the third and final One-Day International between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne.

Captained by Alex Blackwell, the GG’s XI squad is a cross-section of young up-and-comers and experienced campaigners, all with an eye on Australia selection.

How do I watch?

The Governor-General’s XI match will begin at 1.50pm on Thursday at Drummoyne Oval, Sydney.

If you’re around in Sydney, the match is FREE to attend, so don't miss a chance to see some of the country's best young talent in action! Fans will also be able to follow along from home, with the match being broadcast live on Fox Cricket, with streaming available via Kayo. 

First ODI: Jonassen stars to sink Kiwis

The squads

New Zealand squad: Amy Satterthwaite (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Governor-General's XI squad: Alex Blackwell (c), Erin Burns, Josie Dooley, Nicole Faltum (wk), Heather Graham, Sammy Jo Johnson, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Rachel Trenaman, Belinda Vakarewa, Rachel-Rae Martin (Australian Defence Force)

How have the GG’s XI prepared?

The Governor-General’s XI gathered in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for a training session and official function with the Governor-General today. The majority of the GG’s XI have spent the summer competing in the Rebel WBBL, before the final round of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) allowed them some time to ease back into the 50-over format.

How have New Zealand prepared?

The opening two matches of the Rose Bowl series saw New Zealand fall short to Australia on both occasions.

Looking to break a 19-year losing streak, the first ODI at the WACA Ground saw a fired up New Zealand bowling attack bowl the Australians out for 241. Captain Amy Satterthwaite’s gutsy 92 helped her side draw agonisingly close to a win, but late flurry of wickets for the Australians saw the visitors fall just short of the their target. 

The second match was a more one-sided affair. Ellyse Perry’s maiden ODI century, plus Jess Jonassen’s five-wicket haul ended with Australia romping to a resounding 95-run win at Karen Rolton Oval. Teenage allrounder Amelia Kerr’s three-wicket over, plus an improved performance from Sophie Devine, however, were both encouraging displays for the White Ferns.

Aussies dominate to secure Rose Bowl

Young guns to keep an eye on

Annabel Sutherland has long been touted a future star of the game, the 17-year-old fast bowler put in a stellar performance for Victoria in the final match of their WNCL campaign. Batting alongside Meg Lanning, Sutherland posted a crucial 48 before taking 1-32 from eight overs. After a mixed Big Bash season, Sutherland will be keen to sink her teeth further into the 50-over format.

Josie Dooley enjoyed a breakout season on the domestic scene, both with the victorious Brisbane Heat and WNCL runners up Queensland Fire. The big-hitting 18-year-old has plenty of firepower and will be hoping her impressive T20 form will translate to the 50-over game against New Zealand.

Heather Graham’s exceptional WBBL and WNCL performances saw the young Western Australian crowned Women’s Domestic Player of the Year at the recent Australian Cricket Awards. The leading wicket taker across the WBBL, Graham will be looking to impress selectors ahead of Australia’s upcoming Ashes tour of England.

Domestic Player of the Year: Heather Graham

Amelia Kerr made her International debut for New Zealand as a 16-year-old and hit the headlines last June after making 232 no and taking 5-17 in a ODI against Ireland. The 18-year-old leg spinner took five wickets across the two one-dayers against Australia and will keen to ply her trade against the GG’s XI tomorrow.

Rosemary Mair picked up two huge scalps in Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes during her ODI debut at the WACA on Friday. The 20-year-old allrounder bowled economically across both Rose Bowl fixtures and looks set for a bright future with the White Ferns.

CommBank ODIs v NZ 

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicola Carey, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Georgia Wareham

New Zealand squad: Amy Satterthwaite (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

February 22: Australia won by five runs

February 24: Australia won by 95 runs

March 3: Third ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne