On one hand the cricket season here in New Zealand as we know it is coming to an end.

But on the other New Zealand Cricket is entering an important planning phase as they look ahead to the next Women's World Cup in 2005.

New Zealand Cricket, on Monday, will announce both a CLEAR White Ferns squad and New Zealand A squad to prepare for the 2001/02 season.

Monthly camps are anticipated throughout the winter with both squads expected to meet for the first of these in April.

A draft international playing programme is in place with a tour of India scheduled in November, a home series against Australia and England planned for February 2002, followed by a tour to England in the off season.

With a comprehensive playing programme planned throughout the next year it is certain there will be competition amongst the squads for places.

In addition to this, New Zealand Cricket in conjunction with Major Associations, may look to run a series of specialist development clinics for promising players below this level. If this concept is endorsed it is likely that National team coach Mike Shrimpton will head the programme with the assistance of key coaches in each of the Majors.

Recently, New Zealand Cricket held a High Performance Conference in Christchurch in which New Zealand Cricket staff, along with representatives from each Major Association met to discuss the direction for the women's game at the high performance level.

The conference targeted key areas such as: administration, playing philosophy, talent identification and selection, playing structures, player education, coaching and ground/facilities. Discussions and recommendations made during this conference will assist New Zealand Cricket to implement a High Performance Plan for the future.

So while the CLEAR Black Caps are battling it out for the remaining two test matches this summer the White Ferns will no doubt be enjoying a deserved but short break before they head to Lincoln for the first national training camp in April.

© CricInfo