The New Zealand women's cricket team will host world champions Australia in February when they'll attempt to win the Rose Bowl for the first time in 17 years.
New Zealand White Ferns Captain Suzie Bates Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The series will be contested over three One Day Internationals, which will double up as a round of the ICC Women's Championship.
The White Ferns last competed for the Rose Bowl in 2012 in Australia, but haven't won it since 1999.
The New Zealand captain Suzie Bates said facing Australia is the ultimate challenge.
"When it's New Zealand against Australia there is always something special about it, particularly at home."
"No one in our team has ever won the Rose Bowl but that only increases our hunger. We'll be desperate to win."
New Zealand's international season will begin with a maiden home series against Sri Lanka.
Having previously only appeared in New Zealand during the women's World Cup in 2000, Sri Lanka will play five ODIs and three Twenty20s between in November.
In the first three of those ODIs, points will be on the line for the ICC Women's Championship.
Lincoln, Christchurch and Nelson will host games during the Sri Lankan series, while the White Ferns three ODIs and three Twenty20s against Australia will be played at Mt Maunganui, Wellington and New Plymouth.
It will be the first women's international match at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park since 1982.
