Cricket: Hockley hoping for big farewell

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Debbie Hockley says her cricket career could die a natural death after today's World Cup final against Australia in Christchurch.

The final, the third the 38-year-old has played (at five World Cup tournaments) may or may not be the last time she dons the pads, but either way she plans to enjoy the match.

"I definitely will not play the State Insurance Cup or club cricket this season," Hockley said after the New Zealanders' practice yesterday. "I think this is it. It could be a great way to go out."

Hockley, who thinks her first World Cup outing was against England at Auckland's Cornwall Park in 1982, sees today's final at the CricInfo-sponsored tournament as the ultimate chance for the New Zealanders to show just how much the game has advanced in those intervening years.

"Back then it was two runs an over stuff. Now the mindset is different. The standard of fielding has improved out of sight and the number of runs scored now is light years ahead.

"We have always had good bowlers, now we have caught up in the other aspects. I like to think my own game has evolved just as the team around me has. This is a great team and we have really enjoyed ourselves."

Hockley, a former New Zealand cricketer of the year, does not quite see herself as the "mother hen" of the team but said she had taken a good deal of ribbing from players many years her junior.

And relinquishing the captaincy was the right decision, she said.

"I don't think I would still be playing if I was still the captain. "Emily Drumm is doing a great job and is leading from the front. It is a real thrill to see her play so well. When I decided to give it away, I thought she was the only possible replacement."

While disappointed with her form at this tournament, Hockley believes today's final is the perfect opportunity to get it right.

"In the past I have been the backbone of the team. Now I'm ecstatic that the others have come through," she said.

Switching from opening the batting to coming in at No 4 has been a challenge for New Zealand's ultra-consistent run machine.

"It has been difficult sitting and waiting. I've had to work on that but there is absolutely no way I would go back to open."

Of suggestions that New Zealand may try something different in terms of tactical approach, Hockley said there was no reason to even look at the batting order.

"It is important to maintain the level of sameness. Australia are going to be formidable opponents. They are a well-oiled machine but we have improved as the tournament has gone along.

"Our focus has to be entirely on doing the very best we can," she said. "I really share a feeling of confidence with the other players."

Of her preference for batting first or second, Hockley said she was glad she did not have to make that decision.

"I can just sit in the shed and be told. Our players have matured to the extent that they are really able to think on their feet. That's vital."

Australia, led by superstars Belinda Clark, Lisa Keightley and Karen Rolton, go in as short-priced favourites with their eight-from-eight record as they chase a fifth World Cup title.

New Zealand, who lost only to Australia in the tournament opener - which seems an age ago, but was in reality last month - will enjoy huge support in their attempt to give Hockley the farewell present she so desperately wants and certainly deserves.

The final, which will be shown live on television, starts at 10 am.