| Aussie
women's cricket on firm footing - Stainer
By Bernie Wijesekera
"Australia Women's Cricket is on a firm footing.
They work under one umbrella - along with their male counterparts--Australia
Cricket", said the manageress of the Australian Women's Cricket
team Jaine Stainer, in an interview with The Sunday Times. With
over 50,000 women indulging in willow wielding the game has a bright
future down Under.
This
is our first to the sub-continent - that too to your beautiful country.
The players have much to learn on and off the field. Cricket Australia
is inspiring and helping the women financially or otherwise. Then
nothing is impossible. Bob Merriman, the present president of Cricket
Australia is very hopeful.
The
Commonwealth Bank Cricket Centre of Excellence is based in Brisbane,
Queensland, and the Women's Cricket programme based in Cofe. Its
head coach, Steve Jenkins is a source of inspiration. He helps Women's
cricket to develop. There are quite a number of tournaments at competitive
level for them to indulge.
Q:
Who sponsored the present tour?
A: The Commonwealth Bank. The CB one
of the main springs to develop at grassroots level. Further the
Women's Cricket Association has excellent quality ground facilitates
for practices.
The Ministry of Sports here, must take note of. There is much talk,
but nothing constructive has come off to help develop the rural
girls who are making an impact against a well drilled Aussie counterparts.
The women's cricketers Down Under are working hard to be on top
like their men in the world, circuit.
Q:
Any other tours made before coming to Sri Lanka?
A: In February 2004 we made a tour to New Zealand. Won
the series 2-1. Later this year 2004, we will make a tour to India.
Preparing for the next World Cup in March - April, in South Africa.
The Women's World Cup commenced in the early 70's, before the Men's
World Cricket in 1975 in England.
Q:
Any comments about the ongoing tour here?
A: A nice country. Excellent facilities for the tour party
on and off the field. Accommodated at Trans Asia Hotel. People are
very friendly, we will be returning with Golden memories, when we
take wings home on September 14.
Sri Lanka Women's Cricket is good and is making an impact at competitive
level.
Ken Davis the coach was asked for his impression about Sri Lanka
Cricket.
He said, "They are keen. Play in good spirit. The spinners
toss the ball inviting the batswomen to come out.
The
fielding is adequate, with good throwing arms. Lovely ground - the
R. Premadasa Stadium. Very good pitch for cricket - fast outfield.
The Lankan people are very friendly and hospitable".
"We have come here to learn to play in Sri Lankan conditions
- wonderful opportunity for both countries to develop women's cricket.
Before
long with support and encouragement Sri Lanka Women's team, will
be a force to be reckoned with, like their men's team" David
added.
Leah Poulton a sedate batswoman leads the Aussie team.
Opening
bat, Julie Woerner is an attractive batsman. The two pacewoman Sarah
Andrews and Kirstan Pike with a beautiful rhythm are a treat to
watch.
The Sri Lanka top fell cheaply, but Eshani Kaushalya batting at
No. 8, stood up well with a better technique to notch 41 runs with
7 fours in 72 balls and won much admiration for her excellent effort.
Finally
Sarah Andrews bowled her. The visiting team won the second one-dayer
by 60 runs but they had to sweat for their win. |
