After a magnitude of publicity coming out of the World T20 Championships where our Southern Stars made history claiming back-to-back titles, it has been business as usual for our best female cricketers.
The WNCL and WT20 competitions have been in full swing and there has been a lot to like about the performances of some of our premier talent.
It is with baited breath that we await the return to International cricket for the girls when they take on their Trans Tasman rivals New Zealand in a four-game series commencing on December 12.
The girls will be starting off their campaign on the hallowed turf of the SCG for the series opener. They will then make their way to the picturesque North Sydney Oval for the remaining three fixtures.
There is a lot to play for in this series and both nations will be using these games as vital preparation for the Women’s World Cup in 2013.
New Zealand has a couple of their big stars playing in the Australian Domestic Competitions this summer and would certainly have benefited from the experience.
White Ferns skipper Suzie Bates has been a valuable addition to the Western Fury squad. She has since returned to New Zealand and has been piling on the runs for Otago with her best effort a magnificent 160 not out.
Sian Ruck is another New Zealander who is familiar with the Australian conditions, playing for the ACT Meteors. She is a very capable bowler with the new ball and will ask questions of the powerful Australian top order.
Speaking of the Australian top order, Meg Lanning will be looking to build upon her impressive start to the domestic season where she has blasted a record score of 175 in the WNCL clash against the ACT earlier this summer. Her ability to take the opening bowlers on and a vast array of strokes in her arsenal, she will be a potential handful for the visitors.
Add to the top order the likes of the dynamic Alyssa Healy and proven run scorers like Jess Cameron and the experienced Alex Blackwell, some large totals will be on the cards.
Ellyse Perry remains a force to be reckoned with and will spearhead the Australian pace attack. The young NSW quick has been a key player in the moments that matter both with the ball and in the field.
Few would doubt the skill and potential of young Queensland spinner Jess Jonassen who claimed three vital wickets in the Twenty20 World Cup final against England. This series will be the perfect opportunity to develop her craft in the fifty over format.
The signs point towards a tantalising series between two very talented sides.
Here’s hoping that the Southern Stars will continue to produce the kind of cricket that has ensured the trophy cabinet has been full to the brim while capturing the attention of the cricket viewing public.
quietcordial
Roar Rookie
Agree Don, it was a disappointing result yesterday, mind you Suzie Bates and Satterthwaite did a great job with the willow for the visitors. Not to mention the quality bowling from Rachel Candy. Meg Lanning is in superb form, it was a shame she was run out as a ton was well within reach and would have had NZ chasing a few more. I think Perry will make a massive difference when she plays, she is a genuine match winner and game breaker. While Sthalekar and Blackwell will have their say before the series is over. Mitch must get to a few games, last summer he was having a trundle during the innings break of a Breakers match at Drummoyne Oval. I hope that Alyssa Healy will get her chance in this series, she has been a key player with the Breakers and has plenty of runs in her.
Don Corleone
Guest
Hopefully the old firm of Sthalekar and Blackwell will fire up after the disappointment of the first game and Ellyse Perry will be back with the ball. Meg Lanning is playing exceptionally well at the moment. It was great to get to the NSW Breakers game at the weekend...even spotted one Mitchell Starc in the stands watching his better half play.