Canterbury Magicians’ coach Stephen Cunis is on tour with the White Ferns in the UK and www.blackcaps.co.nz will have exclusive discussions with Cunis about the trials and tribulations the White Ferns and their support staff goes through during the next month on the road.
The last week has been a busy one with travelling, training and playing. Having lost a close one in Derby and then again losing at Barnsley, the girls were really disappointed in having lost the series.
Derby was a game we could have won with a great fight back in the batting department by Amiee Watkins, Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne but we didn't sustain enough pressure in our bowling and fielding so England got over the line.
At Barnsley, the wicket was poor to be totally honest and that was reflected in England passing a low score in the 47th over.
The final game was at Lord’s and it was a fantastic experience for many of the team, including the support staff. It was the most complete team performance of the tour and all facets of our game were very good. Erin Bermingham was the stand out bowler, taking a career best 4 for 34 off her 10 overs and winning the player of the match. She was backed up well by all of the bowlers but particularly Nicola Browne and Sian Ruck. We eventually bowled the English out for 176 on what was a good Lord’s wicket. We started a little unsteadily as Katherine Brunt bowled well but Sara MaGlashan and Amy Satterthwaite set us up brilliantly with a 109 run partnership, Amy making 59 and Sara scoring 65 not out.
Although it was disappointing to lose the ODI series, it was a great way to end the tour, by not only playing at Lord’s, but winning there. There were many highlights throughout the tour and it was a fantastic experience for all involved.
To win the T20 series was special, as was seeing all of the girls representing NZ in a manner they should be proud of. Finally, cheers for my fantastic wife Kara for not going into labour while I was away!
