Kate reflects on the ODI series with New Zealand and some stunning views...
Thursday 19 February 2015 16:01, UK
England Women seamer Kate Cross reflects on the ODI series with New Zealand and some stunning panoramic views…
Our first ODI against New Zealand took place on Wednesday at the Bay Oval.
We were all itching to get going again with some international cricket, having last played together back in September, and we expected the White Ferns to come out hard at us in the first game.
That’s exactly what they did after we stuck them in to bat. Their captain, Suzie Bates, played brilliantly for her hundred, and showed us exactly what we would be up against over the next few weeks.
Unfortunately we just didn't turn up as a team in that first match. A bit ring-rusty perhaps, but thoroughly outplayed – 1-0 down. After some really honest reflection as a squad, we took to the training ground again the following day to get ready for the second ODI.
We came out a lot harder in the second game on Friday and although we didn't bat to our full potential our bowling and fielding won us the game. Nunny (Katherine Brunt) looked threatening with the new ball and Anya Shrubsole returned to form in exceptional fashion with a cheeky four-for.
It's 1-1 with one to play in the ICC Women’s Championship matches.
Being single on Valentine's Day isn't ideal, but I have to say that spending it in Mount Maunganui has been pretty special.
Subo (Susan Dale, our physio) was missing her husband so I accompanied her on a stroll along the beach and watched the sunset which was mega. Very romantic!
A few gifts turned up at our apartments from loved ones back home too. Boggy (Laura Marsh) was a very lucky lady getting TWO deliveries of flowers!
Only Heather Knight managed to make an impact out here, she managed to get herself a little coffee date with TWO men!
Our final ODI at the Bay Oval was played on Sunday. We were all pumped going into the match and we were absolutely desperate to win the series. We won the toss, batted first and ended up on a competitive 218 on a very slow, low track.
Trev (Heather Knight) hit another hal- century to help us get there but unfortunately, the White Ferns batted extremely well, in particular Rachel Priest, who was unbeaten on 96 at the end of the chase.
As disappointing as the two losses were, it's a real positive to see the standard of international cricket improving.
Having done our homework and worked hard during the winter, we were gutted to have lost the match but we know we haven't played our best cricket in this series and hats off to New Zealand, who have proved to be a very decent side.
As disappointing as the two losses were, it's a real positive to see the standard of international cricket improving. This can only be a positive for the world of women's cricket and congratulations to New Zealand on the ICC Women’s Championship series win.
Our final day in Mount Maunganui was Monday. So I decided it was time to actually tackle the Mount! Joined by Danielle Hazell, Danni Wyatt, Jenny Gunn, and our manager Lorraine Burlinson, I headed up to the top of what I thought would be a pretty leisurely experience… wow, was I wrong!
My calves are still cramped now! We certainly had to take five at the top to wipe our brows but it was so worth it as the views were breath-taking.
It's now time to get our T20 caps on now as we head to Whangerei for our next matches. Just the six-hour coach journey to get there...
Sky Sports will show live coverage of every ball of a new-look Women’s Ashes for the first time in 2015.
