Southern Stars prepare for international match at Bradman Oval

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars were in town ahead of their two one-day international (ODI) matches against the West Indies.

The Stars were guests of honour at Bradman Museum for the opening of the new women’s cricket exhibition, Pioneers to T20 Champions.

Highlanders had the chance to meet and greet some of Australia’s top cricketers.

The team’s players were relaxed in preparation for Sunday’s ODI against the West Indies at Bradman Oval.

Australia will start as favourites after winning the four Twenty20 clashes between the two countries, before recording victory in the opening two ODI contests.

Sunday’s game marks the final match in the ICC Women’s Championship between Australia and the West Indies.

The Stars will continue their championship campaign against England in July 2015.

Alex Blackwell told the Southern Highland News that Sunday’s contest was “really important”.

Blackwell, who has played more than 100 ODIs for Australia, describes herself as a “veteran of the team”.

Blackwell was the Bradman Scholar in 2002, but unfortunately has unfortunate memories of playing at Bradman Oval.

In 2008, England recorded a six-wicket victory over the Stars at Bradman Oval during the Ashes Test series.

However, Blackwell said she was keen to play in Bowral on Sunday.

“It’s an awesome place to play cricket, it’s the atmosphere,” she said.

“There is a small, but committed crowd.”

Blackwell said Highlanders could expect to watch a quality game of cricket.

But she said the Australians needed to lift their intensity.

“We have played really positive cricket, but we have not finished the game with polish,” Blackwell said.

“Our top six batters need to bat through. We need to get early wickets.

“We need to establish an innings and big partnerships.”

Pace bowler Rene Farrell said Bowral had a great cricketing history.

“A lot of us have memories of this place… it’s pretty exciting,” she said.

“We expect the West Indies to perform brilliantly (on Sunday), nothing less.

“They are a tough opponent and it’s an important match.”

All-rounder Elysse Perry hit an impressive 72 and took 3/42 to take player of the match honours in the second ODI on Wednesday.

Perry made her Test debut for Australia in that 2008 loss in Bowral and said the town was “synonymous with cricket”.

She said she hoped for a turnaround in form on Sunday.

“Tomorrow is another really important game for the ICC Championships,” she said.

The Southern Stars will host the West Indies in the third ODI at Bradman Oval on Sunday, November 16.

The match is expected to begin at 10am.