The White Ferns on the verge of breaking a ten year drought in the Rose Bowl one-day international series against Australia but coach Gary Stead is asking his team to keep their feet on the ground. He has reminded them that there is still room to improve as he reflected on their success
“Our top order are showing signs of firing without anyone really kicking on for a big innings yet. Our bowling continued to impress in most areas. We fielded better and took two outstanding catches and got another two run outs under pressure."
The White Ferns chased down the modest total of 150 in their first victory and defended 218 in their second to lead the current World Champions by two games to nil in the five match series.
Stead made special mention of the fighting spirit within the team and praised the player’s ability to finish of the innings with bat and ball. “We won both of the ‘death’ phases convincingly which was the difference in the game. Batting wise our last 10 overs made 77 for one wicket where as Australia were 54 for five. This proved to be a big difference in the final outcome when both teams were under pressure.”
There is an air of self belief within the group, showing plenty of fighting spirit in their two matches. This was highlighted by Amy Satterthwaite who hit 49 from number seven in the line up to guide the team home in the first match. Beth McNeill and Suzie Bates then closed out the second match with accurate bowling after the Australians looked like they were cruising to victory.
“You don’t win many games like that unless you learn how to scrap hard. We are getting better at this but still have more in us yet.”
The White Ferns travel to Seddon Park in Hamilton tomorrow to play a Day/Night match where they hope to wrap the series up.
Remaining matches:
Friday 05 February - Seddon Park, Hamilton - 2:30pm (D/N)
Sunday 08 February - Seddon Park, Hamilton - 10:30am
Thursday 12 February - Basin Reserve, Wellington - 10:30am
