Wednesday 29 November

It rained all night – solid. The ground staff worked throughout the night to soak up the water off the covers and outfield. We understand they had shifts in operation – so they were literally on their feet the entire night, with just a couple of hours sleep between them. The rain cleared early in the morning and this allowed them, with all hands on deck, to get the track, the bowlers' run ups and outfield in order so that we could get the game underway. Surprisingly, we were able to start at 11.30am which meant although we started an hour late we lost no overs.

The opening match proved to be a very exciting and closely fought encounter. As you will no doubt be aware the Clear White Ferns batted first and after a couple of early setbacks were able to take the score through to 166 in the 50th over. Emily and Kam (Kathryn Ramel) put an excellent partnership together of 72 and Emily top scored for us with 74.

We started well in the field with an early breakthrough but two key partnerships for Australia, including 71 from Karen Rolton and Cherie Bambury saw them through to the total for the loss of 4 wickets.

There was a great atmosphere at the ground today despite the cold, overcast conditions and the game definitely provided a great spectacle for the crowd.

After the game we were straight into recovery mode with a warm down, stretch and some hot/cold therapy. Warren sprung a surprise on us with a paddling pool full of ice to recline in before hurling ourselves into the hot spa.

Alternating between hot and cold water as I mentioned in an earlier diary aids recovery by stimulating the liver to flush out the lactic acid accumulated during the game.

Well that's my understanding of it – I can confirm one thing and that is that the ice plunge pool is damned cold! (almost up there with Oamaru!)

A quick dinner and an early night for all as we have a busy day planned tomorrow.

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