Women's international cricket returns to the Adelaide Oval for the first time since 1996 tomorrow, when the Australian team, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars begin its quest to retain the coveted Rose Bowl trophy against arch-rival New Zealand.

The Adelaide Oval will play host to the first two matches of the six-game, one-day international series on 20 (day game) and 21 February (day/night game) with the third match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 23 February.

At the conclusion of the matches in Australia, both sides will cross the Tasman for three more one-day internationals in Christchurch, New Zealand on 2, 3 and 6 March.

The series will showcase the best talent in international women's cricket. It also sets up a re-match between the finalists of the 2000 CricInfo Women's World Cup, when the Australians were denied back-to-back world titles, after falling victim to New Zealand by just four runs.

On the eve of the series, Australian captain Belinda Clark said her team was determined to turn the tables on the New Zealanders after the World Cup defeat.

"Since the World Cup we have worked very hard to re-group, and after a successful tour of the United Kingdom last July, I think we have returned to the sort of form that has seen us win consistently at the international level," Clark said

"We respect New Zealand enormously. They are led by an experienced captain in Emily Drumm and as a group they will be looking to maintain their status as the number-one team in the women's game.

"However, this series means a lot to us. We are determined to retain the Rose Bowl, which apart from the World Cup is one of the more precious pieces of silver-wear that we play for," she said.

The Rose Bowl was inaugurated in 1978-79 for Australia-New Zealand competition, becoming an annual one-day international series in 1984-85.

In the 16 series played for the trophy, Australia has won 12. The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars currently hold the title after defeating New Zealand's CLEAR White Ferns, 3-0 in 1999-2000.

This year a points system will decide the series winner for the first time in the history of the competition. A victory by the home team will be worth two points, while three points will be awarded for an away win. One point will be handed to both teams for either a tie or a match that ended without a result. No points will be awarded for a loss.

Players expected to have a major bearing on the outcome of the series include Clark, who for over a decade has been a prolific run-scorer at the international level. She has re-written the record books during her career and has been instrumental in Australia's dominance of international cricket.

Vice-captain Karen Rolton, who was named the 2001-02 Australian Women's International Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal presentation, will also be crucial to the side's performance. Rolton, of South Australia, holds the record for the highest score in women's cricket, scoring an unbeaten 209 in the second Ashes Test against England in July 2001.

Fast-bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick, another star of the recent Ashes series, will also be an important player for the Australians. Regarded as the fastest bowler in the women's game, Fitzpatrick captured 17 wickets in the two Test matches against England.

For New Zealand, captain Emily Drumm will again lead the way. The stylish right-hander was the CLEAR White Ferns' leading run-scorer at the 2000 World Cup (339 runs) and New Zealand's second highest run-scorer of all time.

New Zealand will be expecting Drumm to combine with wicket-keeper/batter Rebecca Rolls and quality all-rounder Haidee Tiffen.

Approaching the series, Mr James Sheffield, Chief Manager of Marketing Communications for the Australian team's major sponsor, the Commonwealth Bank said the Rose Bowl had all the ingredients for a close contest.

"The Bank is pleased to support the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in its quest to win the 2002 Rose Bowl Series against New Zealand", Mr Sheffield said.

"We are confident that the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will be successful and look forward to a very exciting and challenging series," he added.

Australia's elite women's cricket program is also heavily supported by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport.

Governor of South Australia and former Australian Olympic great, Marjorie Jackson (nee Nelson), will toss the coin at tomorrow's match.

All Rose Bowl fixtures are 40-overs per side. Tomorrow's fixture begins at 1000, while Thursday's day-night game starts at 1500.

The Australian Cricket Board's official website, www.baggygreen.com.au will provide ball-by-ball coverage of the series.

© 2002 Australian Cricket Board

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