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By Sarah Tsukigawa
The White Ferns resume their battle with Australia’s Southern Stars on the 12th of June as they finish the Rose Bowl series that was interrupted by Christchurch’s February 22nd earthquake.
The White Ferns and Australia were tied two-all after completing the Twenty20 segment of the series and were scheduled to play the first of three One-Day Internationals on 24 February, two days after the earthquake struck.
An even contest looms says Browne
The team lose home advantage when they swap Lincoln’s Bert Sutcliffe Oval for Allan Border Field in Brisbane, an unhappy hunting ground for the White Ferns over the years. The New Zealand team have lost seven from the last eight matches at the ground, a record that does not daunt 98 game veteran Nicky Browne.
Browne sees advantages to playing on an Australian pitch against an untested bowling attack, but thinks the side’s lack of outdoor practice could count against them.
“Australia have a new bowling line up which will provide opportunity for our batsmen,” said Brown. “Historically Australia’s batting is strong, however it has been their bowling that has tied us down and been the difference between the two sides.”
Australia have the edge over the White Ferns in recent years, winning ten of the last 13 ODI matches, with the White Ferns last victory coming at the 2009 World Cup.
Debutant bowlers take centre stage
Bowling stocks have been bolstered by the inclusion of exciting pace bowler Lea Tahuhu. The young Canterbury Magician provides raw pace that is matched by the Australian’s inclusion of uncapped Victorian speedster Annie Maloney.
With the loss of spearhead Elise Perry, Australia’s attack will look to their three debutants - Maloney, spinner Jess Jonassen and medium outswing bowler Sharon Millanta to have an instant impact.
For a long time Australia’s spin attack has been their key weapon. The addition of left-arm turner Jessica Jonassen will give Australia four options to pick from. The White Ferns are all too aware off the need to combat the spin, especially through the middle stages, in order post a defendable total.
The White Ferns have a spin attack to match that of their Australian counterparts despite the loss of NZ Erin Bermingham through injury. Captain Aimee Watkins, all-rounder Lucy Doolan and debutant Frances Mackay will all have an important role to play with the ball.
Mackay was in formidable form for the Canterbury Magicians in the 50-over Action Cup hitting two big centuries and averaging 27 with the ball. She has been widely tipped to put in some match winning performances for the Ferns in this series and in the future.
Sophie Devine has taken a break from cricket to follow her dream of representing New Zealand in hockey at London 2012. Her loss leaves a bit hole with the all rounder having the ability to change the game with bat and ball - her recent fine form will be missed.
Australia expects tough challenge
Alex Blackwell, Australian’s Twenty20 World Cup winning captain thinks it will be an even contest.
“Whoever wins the Rose Bowl will have to play very well, as it will be a very tough series,” said the 27 year old who also expects their new side to hold some surprises for the White Ferns.
The teams know the first match will hold great importance to the result of the series. The White Ferns will be looking to hit the ground running and secure that all important win come June 12th.
