Star batsman Jane Franklin will lead Victoria when the Spirit begins its National Women's Cricket League campaign for 2000-01 with two matches against the Western Australian Fury in Perth this weekend.

Franklin is captain of a squad blessed with a wealth of domestic and international experience. Aside from Franklin herself, the twelve-strong team also includes batsman Melanie Jones, wicketkeeper Ando Aparo, and star opening bowling combination Cathryn Fitzpatrick and Charmaine Mason. Having joined the Victorians in the off-season, former Queensland and Australian fast bowler Megan White is another big name player who will make the trip.

The Victorians will play Western Australia in fifty-over matches at the WACA ground in Perth on Saturday and Sunday.

The full Victorian squad is: Franklin (c), Aparo (vc), Louise Broadfoot, Fitzpatrick, Jones, Mason, Wanda McGuinness, Clea Smith, Stephanie Theodore, Bree White, Megan White, Shannon Young.

© 2000 CricInfo Ltd