Australia women’s cricket team celebrates six months until ICC Women’s World Cup

Members of the Australia women’s cricket team have celebrated six months until its quest for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 by taking to the Sydney Tower’s Skywalk attraction.

With the ICC Women’s World Cup starting on 7 March 2009, Lisa Sthalekar, Leah Poulton and twins Kate and Alex Blackwell enjoyed Sydney’s best view but it will be the summit of a different climb they set their sights on next year when they look to reach the pinnacle of the cricket world.

Sthalekar said she is looking forward to the atmosphere around Sydney during the ICC Women’s World Cup.

“We’re really looking forward to playing in the tournament and showcasing to Australia and the rest of the world what women’s cricket has to offer,” she said.

“Visitors who come to Australia for the World Cup are guaranteed not only an unforgettable experience at the tournament, but the host cities as well.

“I can’t wait to get out there and play in front of a home crowd. There is nothing better than the support from our Aussie fans.”

Australia will open its World Cup defence with a trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand on 8 March at North Sydney Oval before completing their Group A commitments with matches against South Africa and West Indies in Newcastle and Drummoyne.

Alex Blackwell, Lisa Sthalekar, Leah Poulton and Kate Blackwell mark the six-month countdown to Australia’s defence of the World Cup, Sydney, September 6, 2008 © Getty Images

Australia v England Highlights

1st Febuary 2008 (20/20), MCG Melbourne

Bhutan’s Girls Start Training

Bhutan has started its preparations for the forthcoming ACC age-group tournaments by holding an intensive coaching camp for U-19 girls and U-15 and U-17 boys in Thimphu. “The boys know about fitness to some extent but Bhutan have been very smart in getting the girls prepared for the Thailand tournament in December,” says ACC Development Officer for Bhutan Roger Binny.

Following the 10-day camp, thirty U-19 girls took part in “the first ever Physical Fitness Test conducted by Bhutan Cricket,” and went through some challenging drills under the supervision of the local coaches. The final fourteen – the fit and the skillful – for the ACC U-19 Women’s Championship will be chosen at the end of October, says Youth National Coach Damber Singh Gurung.

Further physical training camps will be held in other parts of Bhutan for national squad probables following the end of the monsoon season.

Iran’s Women Advance

ACC Women’s Committee Member and Pakistan Cricket Board Women’s Cricket Manager Shamsa Hashmi completed a 16-day assignment in Iran last month. “I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm among the young girls. They were all very motivated and keen to learn the game,” says Ms. Hashmi.

An Iranian Level I-qualified lady coach Mujdeh Bavendpour assisted Ms. Hashmi throughout, as the 30 women (U-19 and seniors) were put through a comprehensive training plan specially designed for them.

Each day was divided into morning and evening sessions: fitness and fielding, skill development and net matrix. Classroom sessions were slotted in amidst the field work. The fortnight ended with a hard-fought and passionately supported 20-over match.

“We have never worked so hard in our life,” said one of the participants afterwards, “our knowledge of the game increased 1000% and with the strength and conditioning program given to us we are so much better.”

“I have found the girls as quick learners not only of what was being taught to them but also by watching others doing the same drills,” says Ms. Hashmi. “They were able to make quick adjustments. As far as the physical fitness was concerned I found them very athletic with good fitness standards.”

“I have every reason to believe that if these young girls are provided with regular training, practice areas, parental support and encouragement from sponsors, they will definitely become a very good team,” concluded Ms. Hashmi.

 

England v India (3rd ODI)

England 99 for 2 (SC Taylor 29*) beat India 126 for 2 (Raj 55*, Sharma 42) by eight wickets (D/L method)

England ease to series victory

England took an unassailable 3-0 lead against India with an eight-wicket victory in a rain-hit clash in Taunton, their 11th win in 14 games – the other three producing no result. Large chunks were cut out of the day, in the end reducing England’s task to 99 off 21 overs and they cruised home with 26 balls to spare.

The first spell of action lasted little more than five overs and India managed just four runs. When play resumed Katherine Brunt struck by trapping Karu Jain lbw half-forward, having had two equally good shouts turned down earlier. Brunt and Isha Guha were testing with the new-ball, but the follow-up bowling was less impressive as Jenny Gunn struggled for her line.

However, India never showed any inclination to push the accelerator, plodding along at under three an over. In general England fielded well, but weren’t put under much pressure. Mithali Raj played a neat innings, full of well-timed shots, as she struck her second consecutive half-century. But she too was guilty of not playing a few more shots with the innings reduced to 38 overs.

Rain eventually ended India’s effort early and just relented in time for England’s chase. For such an in-form batting line-up it was never going to be as serious challenge. Sarah Taylor raced out off the blocks with 24 off 17 balls, but it was fitting that Claire Taylor – in her 100th ODI – was at the crease to see the side home alongside Lydia Greenway.

“The bowlers have been superb,” said a delighted England captain Charlotte Edwards. “There are two more games to go and hopefully we can win them both.”

With England’s seemingly unstoppable form, thoughts are turning to the World Cup in Australia during March. This is England’s last cricket before the tournament, but Edwards isn’t thinking too far ahead. “We have just got to keep playing good cricket,” she said. “There are a lot of good teams around and we need to build momentum.”