Cricket: Milburn in cup squad

Rowan Milburn, the daughter of former New Zealand wicketkeeper Barry Milburn, has been promoted to the national women's cricket squad to prepare for the World Cup next year.

Otago wicketkeeper-batsman Milburn, aged 22, is the only member of the 17-strong squad new to international cricket.

Other features include the recall of Canterbury spinner Erin McDonald and the selection of former Dutch international Nicola Payne.

McDonald, 18, returns after training with the development squad over the winter, while Payne, 30, is eligible to play for New Zealand after representing Canterbury since 1996.

National champions Canterbury have contributed seven players while four are from Auckland.

New Zealand are to host the World Cup in December, 2000, and national selection panel convener Lesley Murdoch said the door was not closed on other players forcing their way into the squad for that tournament.

New Zealand are to contest the Shell Rosebowl series in Australia this summer before hosting England in February.

New Zealand squad: Catherine Campbell, Paula Flannery, Debbie Hockley, Nicola Payne, Haidee Tiffen, Helen Watson, Katrina Withers (all Canterbury), Emily Drumm, Clare Nicholson, Kathryn Ramel, Rebecca Rolls (Auckland), Jane Hunter-Siu, Anna O'Leary (Wellington), Donna Trow (Northern Districts), Erin McDonald (Central Districts), Rowan Kilburn, Rachel Pullar (Otago).