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England Women set to travel to New Zealand for white-ball series in February

Sarah Glenn of England celebrates with Heather Knight after dismissing Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies during the 4th Vitality IT20 match between England Women and West Indies Women at the Incora County Ground on September 28, 2020 in Derby, England. - GETTY IMAGES
Sarah Glenn of England celebrates with Heather Knight after dismissing Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies during the 4th Vitality IT20 match between England Women and West Indies Women at the Incora County Ground on September 28, 2020 in Derby, England. - GETTY IMAGES

England Women will travel to New Zealand for a white-ball series in February and March, New Zealand Cricket have confirmed.

The format of the tour and its full schedule are yet to be formally decided, with New Zealand Cricket still awaiting government approval amid coronavirus concerns, although the men's series against West Indies and Pakistan have been given the go-ahead for November.

England were due to travel to New Zealand for the 2021 Women’s World Cup next spring, but last month organisers pushed the 50-over tournament back until 2022 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Their southern hemisphere series next year will be their first trip to New Zealand since 2015, when they won both the ODI and T20 series.

Lisa Keightley's side, who are currently closing in on a five-match series whitewash against the West Indies having built an unassailable 4-0 lead going into the final match of the campaign on Wednesday.

David White, the New Zealand Cricket chief executive, said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the New Zealand government for helping us navigate this complex process.

“Hosting these tours is incredibly important to us for two reasons: international cricket brings in revenue that funds the entire game of cricket in New Zealand and, also, it’s crucial that we look after the fans of the game and sport in general, especially during these difficult times.”

The White Ferns are also hoping to arrange a series against Australia, who they are currently 2-0 down to in a three-match Twenty20 series.