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The Christchurch Press NZ fielding 'average' despite rout
The Christchurch Press - 15 February 1999

The New Zealand women's cricket side is trying to rid itself of any complacency ahead of today's one-day international against South Africa in Christchurch.

Despite overwhelming the South Africans in Dunedin on Saturday, captain Debbie Hockley wants an improved fielding performance from her side to ensure it wraps up the three-match series.

``Our fielding was pretty average, I have to say,'' Hockley said yesterday.

``I think there were about two or three run-outs that we stuffed up.''

New Zealand beat South Africa by eight wickets after bundling out the visitors for just 82 at Carisbrook. Only two South African batsmen made it into double figures.

``It would be fair to say that their batting was pretty average ... it was a disappointing score on a fairly good pitch,'' Hockley said.

``However, we can't be complacent. South Africans are fighters, no matter what sport they are in.''

Canterbury all-rounder Haidee Tiffen is expected to come into the squad after she was ruled out of the first match. Tiffen, who suffered a knee injury playing for New Zealand A last week, will replace fellow Cantabrian Helen Watson, who was 12th man in Dunedin.

A starting XI will be named this morning.

However, given that only four of the New Zealand batsmen got to the crease on Saturday, it is hard to see there being any changes to the starting line-up, unless the conditions dictate.

As Hockley said, it would be difficult to replace someone who had not been given a proper chance in Dunedin.

Hockley hopes to have a rare win when the toss is made this morning -- she reckons she has won only one toss in about 12. And, all things being equal, she would love to bat first so the New Zealand line-up can show off its potential.

On Saturday the Kiwis cruised to victory in the 24th over of the 50-over match.

New Zealand lost its two most experienced batsmen -- Hockley and Emily Drumm -- before Anna O'Leary and Kathryn Ramel put on an unbeaten 54-run partnership for the third wicket.

Ramel played a mature innings but it was the young Wellington opener O'Leary who excited the small Dunedin crowd.

Recalled to the national side after touring England in 1996 as an 18-year-old, O'Leary flourished after a slow start, striking boundaries to all corners of the ground. Her innings of 42 not out included a classic square cut off South African seamer Alta Kotze, and an exquisite straight drive off Denise Reid.

Today's match starts at Jade Stadium at 10.30am, and entry is free.

The third and final match in the series is in Hamilton on Wednesday.


Source: The Christchurch Press
Editorial comments can be sent to The Christchurch Press at press@press.co.nz