Cricket: Watkins named White Ferns captain

Aimee Watkins capped an unforgettable month by being named today as captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team.

Watkins, who was married earlier this month, will lead the White Ferns to the Twenty20 world championship in England June, taking the role from Haidee Tiffern, who retired after the World Cup.

Watkins was vice-captain at the recent World Cup in Australia where New Zealand finished runners up to England.

She has captained the team previously in Tiffen's absence and also has extensive captaincy experience in domestic cricket with Central Districts.

"Following on from Haidee is a big ask b but I know the team is going to be fully behind me," Watkins said.

"It's a big challenge but exciting at the same time.

"I see one of my strengths as being a pretty calm sort of person - I'm not easily flustered. I hope to lead by example and by my performance on the field."

White Ferns coach Gary Stead said Watkins was a logical choice to lead the team.

"Her aggressive style as a player makes her someone that can have a significant impact on the game - and the Twenty20 style of cricket will be a great way for her to lead from the front."

Watkins made her debut for New Zealand in 2002 and has played 84 one-day internationals, seven Twenty20 internationals and two tests.

She is currently ranked the fourth-best all-rounder in the world with her off-spin bowling and left-hand batting.

She has scored more than 1500 one-day runs, including two centuries, one each against Australia and England.

She has taken 76 one-day wickets, placing her second on the all-time New Zealand records list.

- NZPA