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Suzie Bates knows getting on top of Australia’s bowlers as key to the White Ferns chances of taking the Rose Bowl off Australia.
“In the past because we failed with our batting because we have not valued our wicket,” said Bates.
“We need to bat time and develop partnerships, in the past we have been too aggressive and haven’t batted to the conditions.” 
Bates believes responsibility lies with the top order who need to take the match into the final overs and she said the side requires are psychological shift to beat a team who have had the better of them in one-day cricket.
“The top five need to be there at the 40-45th mark and not rely on middle order to get them out of bad situations.
“Mentally, with Australia, we think they are a good one-day team and we assume the underdogs tag. However, if you match player to player we have the ability to beat them on a consistent basis.”
Australia possess an experienced top six with three batsmen averaging over 30 and four who have posted three figures.
Bates is the only White Fern with an average of 30 plus and along with Aimee Mason has a century to her name.
However, the White Ferns are stacked with all-rounders with their lower order and tail having an edge over their Australian counterparts.
By Sarah Tsukigawa
