Christchurch hosts the cricket world

Prolific cricketer Debbie Hockley in action.

One month of superb international cricket action - and it's all happening in our backyard.

When the CricInfo Women's World Cup gets under way on 29 November, it will launch more than just New Zealand's campaign to win our first-ever cricket World Cup. In an intensive, full-on festival of cricket, a total of 31 matches will be played over 25 days, entirely at Hagley Oval and New Zealand Cricket's own venues at Lincoln University.

Ground admission to all matches will be free, with a variety of around-the-ground activities and entertainment planned for key matches to complement the on-field action.

After being the beaten finalists in the last two World Cups (against England and Australia), the New Zealanders, the Clear White Ferns, aim to take full advantage of home crowd support and familiar pitch and weather conditions at this year's tournament. The side is stacked with Cantabrians from the outstanding Canterbury Women's Cricket team, which has won 20 out of the last 22 inter-provincial competitions.

The Clear White Ferns also boast the leading women's cricketer in the world in Christchurch physiotherapist, Debbie Hockley. A veteran of four World Cups, Hockley is the highest run scorer in the history of women's cricket worldwide and has made more One Day International appearances than any other woman.

Her prolific career has spanned more than two decades and she is the only female player in the world to be awarded her country's supreme cricketer of the year accolade.

The opening match of the CricInfo Women's World Cup features current world champions, Australia, against the Clear White Ferns on 29 November at BIL Oval, Lincoln University. Both semi finals and the final will be televised live on Sky, with the final scheduled for 23 December.

For more information on the CricInfo Women's World Cup and the itinerary, contact New Zealand Cricket on 366 2964 or check out the official website: wwc2000.cricinfo.com