BBC SPORT | WOMENS WORLD CUP | Banging the Drumm

New Zealand women's cricket skipper Emily Drumm is relishing the challenge of leading the White Ferns in the final of the CricInfo Women's World Cup on Saturday.

She will have the weight of her country's expectations on her shoulders as she heads into the eagerly anticipated clash with Australia at the BIL Oval in Lincoln.

Drumm has been used as the focal point for the nation to get behind the team and her face has been splashed across magazines and advertising billboards.

The team have found a new confidence
But despite the media attention, Drumm is keeping her feet and her team's feet firmly on the ground.

The 26-year-old has stressed the need for steady improvement throughout the tournament and has lead by example averaging 79.5 with the bat.

After losing the 1997 final to Australia Drumm is determined that the eight members of the side who endured that defeat can help inspire the side to go one step further this time around.

"Some of us have been there, done that, which will be a help.

I believe we have been able to lift ourselves to another level which we need to compete with Australia

Emily Drumm

"But this tournament has a totally different atmosphere with good cricket wickets and I believe we have been able to lift ourselves to another level which we need to compete with Australia.

She believes the side she took over leading in January are better placed than three years ago to win this time around and coach Mike Shrimpton shares her belief.

He said the side have a confidence never before held by a New Zealand side.

A measure of that confidence must come down to Drumm and her powers of motivation.


	^^ Back to top
	Front Page \| Football \| Cricket \| Rugby Union \| Rugby League \| Tennis \| Golf \| Motorsport \| Boxing \| Athletics \| Other Sports \| Sports Talk \| In Depth \| Photo Galleries \| Audio/Video \| TV & Radio \| BBC Pundits \| Question of Sport \| Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> \| BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII\|News Sources\|Privacy