Vakarewa's golden chance to impress

While NSW fast bowler Belinda Vakarewa might be a long shot to play in next week’s ground-breaking day-night Ashes Test match in Sydney, she will have no better chance to impress than in this weekend’s three-day practice match against captain Rachael Haynes and the Australians. 

Vakarewa is the sole addition to the successful 14-player squad that won the ODI leg of the mult-format Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes Series 2-1 and will suit up for an ACT Invitational XI in Canberra from tomorrow in Australia’s lone pink-ball practice match. 

The 19-year-old will be joined by Australia teammates Jess Jonassen and Tahlia McGrath in the ACT side and will have perhaps an even better opportunity to push her selection claims by bowling to Australia’s star-studded batting line-up.           

Vakarewa laughed off suggestions she will deliver a bouncer barrage at Haynes, but the wicket of the national skipper would undoubtedly boost her chances of playing in the first-ever Ashes day-night Test match at North Sydney Oval in a week’s time.

"Rachael Haynes is a difficult one (to dismiss)," Vakarewa said on Thursday. 

"She’s always someone I try to get out in the nets but she’s very good competition and someone you want to have under your belt. 

"She’s very a good batter so just to be able to bowl to her is amazing.

Vakarewa added: "We’ve trained against each other enough so I guess playing a game against them is not going to be any different. 

"It will be a little bit more banter and a competition, but it will be good to see how it goes in a real match."

The fact that Vakarewa is playing for ACT is perhaps a strong indicator she currently sits outside the Test XI, but coach Matthew Mott said after the third ODI in Coffs Harbour last week that the first thing the selectors will look at is picking a side capable of taking 20 wickets.

That means an ‘x-factor’ player like Vakarewa, who has bowled just four overs in international cricket, could be the surprise bowler Australia’s selectors might fancy in the twilight fixture, where a win would see the hosts retain the Women’s Ashes trophy.

The right-armer says she is happy with how the pink-ball has been behaving in the limited time she’s been training with it.

Like pace spearhead Megan Schutt, Vakarewa bowls hooping in-swingers, and the South Australian has been a mentor in the time they’ve spent together on national duties.

"I’ve always related to Megan Schutt,” Vakarewa said. 

"We have the same kind of style of bowling. 

"She’s someone has helped me a lot and I can learn from. 

"She’s also just a really cool person to talk to off the field as well.

"I learn every time I train with someone. 

"Whether I’m asking Shooter (Schutt) or Lauren Cheatle, there’s always something to learn from anyone."

Captain Haynes has also been a source of inspiration for Vakarewa at NSW. 

"She’s told me a lot back at NSW to back myself and be prepared," Vakarewa said. "That’s the biggest thing, stay prepared.

"We don’t get the chance to play four-day cricket or three-day cricket, so just get out there and play my game and keep it as simple as possible and be very patient. 

"That’s the main key we’re trying to get across because it’s a long game and very good cricket, hopefully, that we can play."

While she knows that squeezing into the Test XI won’t be easy, Vakarewa can’t wipe the smile off her face when talking about the possibility of playing in the Ashes. 

"The fact that I’m even here in the squad is amazing," she said, 

"So, to be up for a Baggy Green or even just play tomorrow I’m really excited for it.

"It’s a very hard squad to break in to. I’m just happy that I’m here. 

"We don’t know what could happen, anything can happen, it’s cricket."

Watch the Women’s Ashes Test LIVE and FREE on cricket.com.au and the Cricket Australia Live app, with enhanced coverage thanks to the support of Commonwealth Bank.

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia lead England 4-2

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule

First ODI Australia won by two wickets

Second ODI Australia won by 75 runs (DLS method)

Third ODI England won by 20 runs (DLS method)

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT