Women’s trophy hopes at stake

Press, 22 January 1988, Page 36

Women’s trophy hopes at stake

New Zealand must beat Australia in the second of three one-day women’s cricket internationals at Lancaster Park tomorrow to keep alive its hopes of retaining the Shell Rose Bowl. Last summer New Zealand beat Australia, 2-1, in a series of three 60-over games in Australia. It was the first time since the inception of the Rose Bowl in 1979 that New Zealand had won the trophy. Australia took the initiative in the 1988 series when it beat New Zealand by eight runs in the first match at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday. Only one change has

been made to the New Zealand squad which beat Australia last year. Lesley Murdoch, of Canterbury, has replaced her Canterbury team-mate, Ann McKenna. Linda Fraser, a member of the team last year, was not available this year and has not been replaced, leaving a squad of 12. Debbie Hockley, the New Zealand captain, is confident that New Zealand can still win the series. “Last year we surprised them, but obviously they are a bit more revved up this year. Also they have had a very successful tour of England since we last played them. We will just

have to be a bit more determined ourselves.” Hockley believes the strength of the New Zealand team lies in the inclusion of several allrounders. In this category are Bridgit Legg, Karen Gunn, Jeanette Dunning, Nancy Williams and Hockley. Penny Kinsella, who was the twelfth man last year, relished the chance to finally play for New Zealand on Wednesday and contributed 54 in the opening batsman role. Hockley, Jackie Clark, the other opener, and Lois Simpson provide solidity in the batting but a bit more adventure could be expected from the middle order.

In the first game New Zealand conceded more runs than it would have liked. The Australians added 20 runs for the final wicket, a partnership which proved to be a match-winner for the Australians. The New Zealand bowling attack is led by Legg, who is accurate and economical, with support from Liz Signal, Karen Gunn and Julie Harris. Australia was given an excellent start on Wednesday by the batting of Sharlene Heywood and Ruth Buckstein, with the accomplished Belinda Haggett also making a useful contribution.