The White Ferns have just returned from the ICC World Twenty20 competition, where they were once again “bridesmaids” - coming runners up in the competition two years running.
However the team has come back with a positive mind frame and were blown away by the amount of support they have received from home and abroad.
The White Ferns were once again pipped at the post in the final against Australia, but batsman Sara McGlashan said the trip to the West Indies was rewarding and eye opening. “We had people come up to us and wish us good luck, or log on to Facebook and leave us messages,” she said. “We’ve never had that before. It was cool to be recognised and it’s good that people associate the White Ferns with women’s cricket.
“We had all sorts of people dropping us a line and supporting us which is fantastic. It shows our awareness is growing with the public.”
One thing that had the White Ferns excited about the competition was the crowd. At the final against Australia a party area was created for spectators and McGlashan said the atmosphere was electric. “There was lots of music and noise from the crowd,” she said. “Because we were playing after the men we thought the crowds wouldn’t stay on, but they did.”
The team had plenty of exposure during their Twenty20 campaign and McGlashan said it’s nice to be recognised and in turn encourage more people to become involved with the sport. “If we can build the awareness with the public that’s got to be a good thing,” she said. “We want to be role models for girls playing cricket and encourage more to get involved.
“It’s a great lifestyle. There’s the camaraderie, wonderful experiences like travelling around the world and making life long friends.”
McGlashan never thought cricket would take her to the West Indies, but she was glad to be part of the White Ferns team. “Cricket can take you to some pretty amazing places,” she said. “And it’s great to be playing on TV. It doesn’t happen often and it really boosts the hype with the girls.”
Even though the team has just returned from playing overseas, their sights are now firmly set on their departure at the end of June for a series against the English women’s team. McGlashan said it will be a good chance for the players to refocus after their runner up title at the Twenty20 competition. “We stumbled at the last hurdle, but we won’t be sitting around thinking ‘what if’. We are getting out there and proving we are a world class team,” she said. “Hopefully the public will get behind us once more for our tour of England.”
