Cricket: Self-belief key to White Ferns' cup hopes

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Lesley Murdoch feels that only a lack of self-belief will cost New Zealand a first women's World Cup cricket triumph.

The New Zealanders go into the opening match of the CricInfo-sponsored cup in Christchurch on Wednesday determined to shake off the bridesmaid's tag they brought home from tournaments in England and India.

Their opener, against old rivals and champions Australia, will be their chance to show that an intensive seven-month build-up has been timed to perfection.

"Australia have an exceptionally well-balanced bowling attack," said Murdoch, convener of selectors. "But overall I feel we are technically better. It will, I feel, all come down to the players believing in themselves.

"They have worked extremely hard. We started our winter camps in April and the players have been constantly monitored since."

Murdoch said veteran opening batsman and former captain Debbie Hockley had been an inspiration.

"The only thing missing from her trophy cupboard is a World Cup medal. She has thrown herself into this campaign like it was her first. She has even got out and learned to play new shots, such as the paddle around the corner and hitting back over the bowler."

New Zealand, who finished third when the tournament was last played here, in 1982, have eight players back from the team who lost to Australia in 1997.

The White Ferns completed a warm-up three-win clean sweep over England this week by 165 runs, two wickets and eight wickets.

"That second game was the wake-up call they needed," Murdoch said.

"In these games Debbie Hockley batted down the order because coach Mike Shrimpton wanted to give as many players as possible some time in the middle."

There is a resolve within the team to get out and score runs and dictate matches. Whether that comes batting first or chasing is no real concern.

They can also look to a sound all-round attack, with Erin McDonald, one of six cup debutantes, giving variety with her left-arm orthodox spinning. In one warm-up match against a men's team, the Central Districts bowler picked up four for 26 from 10 overs.

There will also be responsibility for Canterbury's Katrina Keenan, who will almost certainly open the bowling and provide strength to the middle-order batting.

A Dion Nash-type, "in your face" allrounder, Keenan could be vital to the team's success.

The players, now led by Aucklander Emily Drumm, who took over the reins when Hockley decided to step aside, are enjoying a three-day break before returning to Christchurch tomorrow evening.

By Wednesday morning they will be ready for the battle of their lives in a tournament they hope will stretch through to the final.

Drumm, Catherine Campbell (Canterbury) and Shrimpton will be New Zealand's tournament selectors.

New Zealand's matches: Nov 29 v Australia; Dec 1 v Ireland; Dec 3 v Sri Lanka; Dec 6 v Netherlands; Dec 9 v India; Dec 11 v South Africa; Dec 14 v England.

The semifinals are on December 18 and 20; the final on December 23.

All matches are being played in Christchurch, at either Lincoln or Hagley Park.