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women's cricket coach Ann McKenna.

With the series increased to five matches this year for the first time, a whitewash is high on the agenda for McKenna and a strong-looking New Zealand line-up.

With no recent international form behind either team, a certain mystery surrounds the first encounter in a day-night fixture at Napier's McLean Park today.

Backing the five-match format, McKenna enthused over winning a series 5-0.

``It would be great and it's one of our aims,'' she said. ``We certainly think we can do it if we play to our potential in every game.''

The New Zealanders have a solid blend of youth and experience after several young players were introduced to the international scene during last year's successful tour to England.

The only real new cap is double international Rebecca Rolls, who has taken over as wicketkeeper from Sarah Illingworth, who has retired.

Rolls, 21, who has played 11 internationals for the New Zealand women's soccer team, made her international cricket debut in the mismatched series against Pakistan last month.

The experience of prolific scorer Debbie Hockley, fellow opener Trudy Anderson and all-rounder Julie Harris is matched by a talented younger core that includes new captain Maia Lewis, Emily Drumm, Justine Fryer, Katrina Withers and Rolls. -- NZPA