National women's squads likely to be named soon

Great to see the guys win against the Pakistan side in Napier on Tuesday but a shame about last night's loss in Wellington.

It will be interesting to see if the visitors decide to try and tie the series up on Sunday here in Christchurch by playing fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

Well things are relatively quiet on the women's cricket front. I suspect the national selectors will shortly name the national squads to begin preparations for next season.

There's been some indication that the Clear White Ferns will travel to India in November for a series of matches which would be an exciting tour.

In 2002 the side will play the annual Rosebowl series against Australia and there is also a tour to England planned during the winter.

With such a comprehensive international programme in place there will be increased opportunities for younger players to make the transition into the national side. For the moment through, it is a return to club cricket for most players around the country with the season wrapping up toward the end of March.

Well I can confirm that I have played a game of cricket since the World Cup!

It was for the New Zealand Cricket staff team in a Canterbury Cricket run competition called Action Cricket. I've only had the call up on one occasion as yet (Dot, alias Catherine Campbell, after a stunning first round performance has cemented a regular spot in the side). It's a social, fast paced game that is 15 overs in duration and is generally over with in about one and a half hours. It's a great concept and a lot of fun.

Another example of an innovative style of cricket that is being played is being run by New Zealand Cricket at various beaches around the country.

Tomorrow, Sumner Beach in Christchurch is host to the final match of the National Bank Beach Cricket series. The series has been very popular and if you happen to be reading this, are in Christchurch this weekend and feel like a game of beach cricket then I'd encourage you head down there at 9.30am and register. You can either register as an individual or get your own team together!

It should be a fantastic day and while you're in Christchurch you can always head off to the fourth ODI, NZ vs Pakistan at Jade Stadium the following day!

Other than my brief appearance at Action Cricket I have to say I have been putting most of my energy into my music. The song which I wrote and recorded before Christmas is going well and I have just heard that I have been asked to appear as a supporting act for the legendary "Charley Pride" (Kiss an angel good morning) when he tours New Zealand in March - this is going to be fantastic - what a great opportunity.