Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars selected to contest the World Cup

The Australian team to take on the rest of the World in the Cricinfo Women's World Cup was announced today.

The Australians will be attempting to win their 5th World Cup since the first was played in 1973 in England.

The team contains two debutants in Julie Hayes and Louise Broadfoot. Hayes is the Vice-Captain of the NSWIS Blues and has performed solidly for several years at state level. Her all-round ability and brilliant fielding has caught the eye of the selectors this season. " I am thrilled to be selected - I didn't expect it. I am looking forward to contributing to the team in some way " said Hayes.

Broadfoot played a major role with the bat in Victoria's opening Women's National Cricket League matches against WA, and is also a proficient leg spinner. Both players have represented Australia at Youth level.

"The revised format with only the top 8 countries from the previous World Cup competing in a round robin format will ensure a tough competition. Our focus is the first match against New Zealand, which will be a good yardstick for both teams. It's great the team has been selected and we are all looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead " stated the Captain Belinda Clark.

Coach John Harmer expects a hard battle throughout the World Cup. "Having the opportunity to compete in a World Cup is special and these players will need to overcome a different set of challenges than those that the 1997 World Cup team encountered. This World Cup has been in the back of our minds for two seasons in terms of preparation and I know every player will do her best to make this tour a successful one" said Harmer.

The squad will meet in Melbourne on the 20th November for a training camp prior to departing for Christchurch, New Zealand on the 23rd November. During the camp the team will attend a farewell dinner in their honour at which Prime Minister John Howard will be present

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars

Belinda Clark (New South Wales) Captain Karen Rolton (South Australia) Vice Captain Julia Price (Queensland) Joanne Broadbent (South Australia) Louise Broadfoot (Victoria) Cherie Bambury (Western Australia) Avril Fahey (Western Australia) Cathryn Fitzpatrick (Victoria) Zoe Goss (Western Australia) Julie Hayes (New South Wales) Lisa Keightley (New South Wales) Olivia Magno (South Australia) Charmaine Mason (Victoria) Therese McGregor (New South Wales)

John Harmer (Coach) Lisa Ross (Physiotherapist) Janine Stainer (Manager) Sally Bailey (Fitness Advisor) Steve Jenkin (Assistant Coach - IT) Erica Sainsbury (Scorer)