Coyte unlucky to miss ICC's best?

‘A champion team will always beat a team of champions.’

It may be one of sport’s oldest clichés, yet it’s hard to conjure a more apt summation of the all-conquering Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars.

Image Id: ~/media/175A90DF6E6D48628536C28EF15A6693

Australia marched towards to their third consecutive ICC Women’s World T20, a first-up defeat against New Zealand the only blemish, and did so on the back of an even spread from most of the playing squad.

Quick Single: Southern Stars win ICC title

The ICC yesterday announced its World T20 Bangladesh 2014 Women’s Team of the Tournament, with Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry the only representatives from the victorious Stars outfit. Runners-up England, on the other hand, contributed four members to the 12-player team.

While it certainly reflects the even spread of talent that the Australian squad possesses, the omission of medium-pacer Sarah Coyte raised some eyebrows.

Image Id: ~/media/A2372762BF234E55B71AB3CFEA5808AC

Cricket great and Southern Stars assistant coach in Bangladesh, Lisa Sthalekar, praised Coyte’s performances with the ball during the successful campaign.

“Coyte’s ability to control her line and length and bowl at the death of the innings with precision made her extremely difficult to hit,” Sthalekar wrote in her cricket.com.au column.

“Although Coyte didn’t pick up wickets every match, in T20 cricket if you are able to go under six runs per over, you have done your job well.”

Quick Single: More success ahead for Southern Stars

The 23-year-old’s talent was on full display in the final against England, as she bowled her way to the Player of the Final award with figures of 3-16.

Coyte claimed the key wickets of England opening pair Sarah Taylor and Charlotte Edwards to put Australia in early control of the title clash.

They didn’t look back.

With nine wickets (third overall) at an average of 11.22 and a miserly economy rate of 4.80, Coyte certainly made a strong case for inclusion in the collection of the tournament’s best performers.

Although, a World T20 title is a decent consolation prize.

The history-making world champions will be welcomed home at a function to be held at the SCG tomorrow.