Australia ready for World Cup challenge
There's just one month to go until Australia's Southern Stars start their campaign to regain the ICC Women's World Cup.
Australia will start the defence of its World Cup title against New Zealand's White Ferns on Sunday 8 March at North Sydney Oval.
As current world champions, Australia will defend its title against the seven best teams in women's cricket - England, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. With 25 matches scheduled over 16 days, the final is scheduled to be held at North Sydney Oval on Sunday 22 March.
The tournament will get underway on Saturday 7 March with two matches - India v Pakistan in Bowral and England v Sri Lanka in Canberra.
The Southern Stars are currently playing in the Rose Bowl Series against New Zealand with the White Ferns leading the five-match series 2-1 heading into today's fourth match in Hamilton.
On Friday night, the Southern Stars kept their series hopes alive with a thumping 104-run win with openers Shelley Nitschke and Alex Blackwell leading the way with the bat, and Erin Osborne and Lisa Sthalekar with the ball.
"We played a lot better, especially with the bat, and it was good that we were able to rebound after two disappointing losses," Australian captain Karen Rolton said after the match on Friday night.
"The first three matches of the series have been great preparation against a team that will be hard to beat in the World Cup.
"All of the team is really excited about the World Cup now that we're into the final stages of the countdown because being able to play it at home is an opportunity that will come around only once in our careers.
"We'd love to see big crowds at the matches during the World Cup so they can see how skilful women's cricket can be."
There are two matches to go in the Rose Bowl Series and the Australia will be looking to hone its performance ahead of the ICC Women's World Cup which is the pinnacle of the women's international game.
With tickets starting at just $5 per adult or $10 for a family pass and up to $35 for a Tournament Pass, everyone can afford to catch world-class cricket up close at local ovals in a fun, family atmosphere. Matches will be held at North Sydney Oval, Drummoyne Oval and Bankstown Oval in Sydney; Newcastle No 1 Sports Ground; Manuka Oval in Canberra and Bradman Oval in Bowral.
"The ICC Women's World Cup Australia 2009 will bring world-class cricket to fans of the game and present a fun day out for all the family," Tournament Director Eugenie Buckley said.
"Women's cricket is just as skilled and just as exciting as the men's game and maybe even a little more passionate at times because these girls are highly competitive.
"It's a great chance for kids and young players to get up close to some of the best players in the international game and maybe also be inspired to try cricket or continue with their sport.
"While fans of the game will enjoy the affordable access to some top cricket, we're also planning a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at all venues so parents can bring the kids along for a day out and give them some space to run around and have their faces painted or try their hand at some kids cricket activities.
"The local venues also mean it's easy for cricket clubs and teams, schools and community groups to attend the games without the hassle of bus trips or other organised travel."
