Campbell's stellar show sounds Ashes warning

Stella Campbell has ripped through ACT Meteors for 53 to claim the second-best figures in Women's National Cricket League history, as NSW Breakers romped to a stunning 207-run victory at Manuka Oval.

Campbell would have gone into the match hoping to impress Australia selectors, who will this weekend choose their Ashes squad, but she outdid herself as she claimed 7-25 at the venue where Australia will meet England in a Test and an ODI in the next month.

Her performance was second only to the 7-14 claimed by Victoria's Stephanie Theodore against Western Australia in 1998. 

The 19-year-old's searing eight overs of pace and bounce came after Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes hit a 132-ball 118 to help the Breakers to 260 all out from 49.5 overs.

Under cloudy skies at Manuka Oval, Haynes was handed two lives early as the Meteors dropped simple chances, and she made them pay.

Standing in as NSW captain with fellow Australia star Alyssa Healy missing for personal reasons, Haynes anchored a Breakers innings where the remainder of the top-order failed to fire.

Tahlia Wilson (6), Phoebe Litchfield (6) and Ashleigh Gardner (6) all made identical contributions as the Breakers struggled to 3-58, but Erin Burns provided a boost, continuing her good form with 34 from 26 deliveries.

The departures of Anikya Learoyd (30 from 48) Sammy-Jo Johnson (0) and Maitlan Brown (0) in the space of one Amy Yates (4-56) over, coupled with an untimely rain delay, raised concerns the left-hander may run out of partners or overs in her pursuit of a century.

But Hannah Darlington (32 from 38) provided the required support as Haynes reached her ninth WNCL hundred, finally falling in the penultimate over after a knock that featured 13 fours and a sole six.

 

Campbell, who made her Test and ODI debuts for Australia last year, and new-ball partner Brown then had the Meteors immediately on the back foot in response.

Brown had the in-form Katie Mack (1) caught behind in the third over, before Campbell had fellow opener Carly Leeson (12) bunting a simple catch to Ashleigh Gardner.

Not other Meteor would reach double figures as Campbell's spell saw the home side dismissed in just 16 overs; Brown finished with impressive figures of 2-18 from five overs, in another reminder to selectors ahead of the Ashes, while Sammy-Jo Johnson (1-8) was the only other bowler required by NSW.

The ACT's total of 53 was the second lowest in the competition's history, 

The Meteors will travel to North Sydney Oval for a reply on January 14. 

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes v England

Jan 20: First T20, Adelaide Oval

Jan 22: Second T20, Adelaide Oval

Jan 23: Third T20, Adelaide Oval

Jan 27-30: Test match, Manuka Oval

Feb 3: First ODI, Manuka Oval

Feb 6: Second ODI, Junction Oval

Feb 8: Third ODI, Junction Oval

Australia A v England A

Jan 20: First T20, Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide

Jan 21: Second T20, Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide

Jan 23: Third T20, Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide

Jan 28: First OD, Philip Oval, Canberra

Jan 30: Second OD, Philip Oval, Canberra

Feb 2: Third OD, Philip Oval, Canberra