Rain threat looms

CHENNAI, Dec 9: The fate of the round robin league match of the Hero Honda Women's World Cup between Australia and Ireland here, depends on...

CHENNAI, Dec 9: The fate of the round robin league match of the Hero Honda Women8217;s World Cup between Australia and Ireland here, depends on the weather.

The continuous downpour in the last few days had virtually ruled that the match would be a non-starter. But the fact remains that the sun did shine for long periods on Tuesday and if it does not rain any further, a delayed game may be possible on the morrow at the MA Chidambaram stadium.

Incidentally the three-day V Pattabhiraman Trophy under-16 match between Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad which ended today at the same venue was a total washout as the ground remained unfit for play.

But the welcome appearance of the sun raised hopes amongst the players and the organisers, Tamil Nadu Women8217;s Cricket Association.

If the match takes off, three-time champions and strong contenders Australia are unlikely to face a strong challenge from Ireland who are yet to make an impact in the premier event.

Encouraged by the fine show of their men8217;s team in the international arena, the Australian captain Belinda Clark said 8220;we want to match our men in the game. We will strive for that.8221;

Australia8217;s strength lies in the fact that they have as many as six all rounders in Clark, vice captain Karen Rolton, Joanne Broadbent, Bronwyn Calver, Melanie Jones and Olivia Magno.

Story continues below this ad

Referring to tomorrow8217;s game, she said, 8220;We are well equipped. But we don8217;t underestimate the Irish girls.8221;

Ireland made their entry in the World Cup in 1988 along with Holland. Their batting strength depends upon skipper Miriam Grealey, Caitriona Beggs, Nikki Squire, vice captain Catherine O8217;Neill and wicketkeeper Sandra Dawson.

Barbara McDonald and Divina Pratt are the medium pacers and according to Grealey, 8220;we have a good off spinner in O8217;Neill.8221; She added that 8220;Fielding is our strong point.8221;

Teams from: IRELAND: Miriam Grealey capt, Catherine O8217;Neill vice-capt, Caitriona Beggs, Sandra Dawson wicket-keeper, Grainne Leahy, Tracey Skoyles, Barbara McDonald, Clare O8217;Leary, Davina Pratt, Cliodhna Sharp, Clare Shillington, Adele Spence, Nikkie Squire, Heather Whelan. Manager: Donna Armstrong. Coach: John Wilis. Physiotherapist: Ethel Bardy.

Story continues below this ad

AUSTRALIA: Belinda Clark capt, Karen Rolton vice-capt, Jonnne Broadbent, Bronwyn Calver, Jodi Dannatt, Avril Fahey, Jualia Price wicket-keeper, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Michelle Goszki, Zoe Goss, Melaine Jones, Charmaine Mason, Lisa Keightley, Olivia Magno. Manager: Christina Matthews. Coach: John Harmer. Physiotherapist: Meg Mclntyre.