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Osborne replaces spin mentor

Southern Star finding feet after Sthalekar retirement

When Lisa Sthalekar retired from international cricket following the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ 2013 ICC World Cup triumph, fellow off-spinner Erin Osborne didn’t just lose a teammate and friend, she lost a mentor.

The pair formed a formidable spin partnership during that tournament and Osborne says it has taken her a long time to move on from Sthalekar’s departure.

“It was quite difficult to take,” she said.

“The following game was a bit difficult.

“I was looking to mid-wicket, and I think Elyse Villani was standing there instead. It kind of threw me off not seeing her there.”

While Osborne has been one of the Southern Stars’ best over the past twelve months, the bowling allrounder has battled with differences to how she plays the game now.

“I think you can see it my performances of late,” Osborne said.

“Just not having that person to come to when I’m under pressure; someone to talk it through with and slow me down so that I don’t get too far ahead of myself.

“It’s been a struggle, but I’m trying to work with Meg Lanning and Alex Blackwell to try and overcome that.”

Sthalekar’s retirement has opened the door for Jess Jonassen, however, to become a permanent fixture in the Southern Stars line-up.

Despite still being the side’s rookie spinner, Jonassen’s left-arm orthodox has picked up 4-71 off 11 overs so far in the ICC World T20 and proven a vital component of the Aussie attack.

When asked whether being the team’s most experienced spinner carries with it any extra mentorship responsibilities, Osborne was matter of fact.

“Not necessarily,” she said.

“I will go to her and have a few chats when she’s under pressure, but Jess is a wonderful player.

“I think we’re both still finding our feet.

“I think that’s why it’s been so great having Lisa here – we can both still go to her after the games and talk strategies through.

“In that respect, it has been a step up, with Lisa not playing and being able to use her experience, but I think we’re working well and still developing.”

For her part, Sthalekar has been impressed with the Southern Stars’ spinners so far in Bangladesh, noting Osborne’s rise up the pecking order.

“She’s probably taken over as the number one spinner,” she said.

“Both Jessica and her (Osborne) have been bowling really well over here.

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the retired champ.

“It’s interesting. I don’t know where to sit on the bus. I don’t know if I sit with the support staff or the players.

“But it’s always wonderful to be part of an Australian team and now, to be on the bench, it’s interesting to see the conversations that go on behind the scenes.”

The Southern Stars play their last group-stage match of the ICC World T20 against Pakistan in Sylhet tonight.

Follow @SouthernStars to keep up-to-date with all the action from the ground.