We were outplayed, says White Ferns coach

SAM WORTHINGTON

RARE JOY: New Zealand celebrate the wicket of Australia's Jessica Cameron during yesterday's Rose Bowl match in Brisbane. However, there was little joy at the end, with Australia winning by six wickets.

Can't bat, can't bowl, can't field.

That was the brutal assessment of disappointed White Ferns coach Gary Stead after watching his charges slump to a six-wicket loss against Australia in Brisbane yesterday.

With the first one-dayer washed out, Australia's win in the second match means the best New Zealand can do is draw the series with a win in the third Rose Bowl match tomorrow.

Batting first, the White Ferns were rocked early by the loss of the free-scoring Lucy Doolan and Suzie Bates for ducks and never recovered, limping to 181 all out in 48.5 overs.

Australia were ruthless in their reply, Leah Poulton (54) and Shelley Nitschke (48) ensuring the hosts could make dinner reservations, reaching the target with 18.3 overs to spare.

"We just didn't put in a performance in any of the three facets of the game," Stead said. "We were certainly outplayed in all areas so lots to work on for the next game."

Australian medium pacer Clea Smith took 4-32 but Stead was more concerned with the "timid" approach to playing spin.

"It's pretty frustrating when you see the batsmen looking so good and then just doing some really silly things at times. We weren't positive enough with the bat to take the game to the bowlers a little bit more."

Stead, a former Black Caps batsman, did manage to find two glimmers of light among the gloom, in the form of Canterbury debutantes Frances Mackay and Lea Tahuhu.

Mackay top scored with 36 before being run out, although the opener did take 77 balls, while Tahuhu impressed with her aggression in claiming 1-38 from seven overs.

"Frankie looked as though she's got the goods to score heavily at this level," Stead said.

"And Lea bowled with some real heat, picked up an early wicket and had another one dropped in the slips. She was very, very promising."

- The Dominion Post

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