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THE announcement was made at a reception hosted by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove at Government House in Canberra that a team made up of 14 Indigenous women cricket players has been selected in an historic first up India tour.
The side was selected from players who stood out with strong performances at the recent National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Alice Springs, combined with good form at club level around the country.
Named in the side is Lithgow star all-rounder Roxsanne Van Veen who forced her way into the team after being named Player of the Tournament this year when playing for NSW.
The year before she was named Player of the Grand Final and since her selection in the NSW side, Roxsanne has been a driving force in New South Wales’ five straight wins.
Her all round skillsmake her a very valuable member of the side.
Sydney Sixers Women’s Big Bash League 18-year-old player Ashleigh Gardner has been named captain of the side, a role that came as a surprise to the rising star.
It will be a real cultural experience for Roxsanne who will leave Lithgow that boasts a population of around 13,000 to head off to the likes of Mumbai, India whose population is overflowing with around 25.5 million people.
The Australian squad will tour Delhi and Mumbai between May 20 and 30, playing in two 50-over and four T20 matches against Delhi, Mumbai, Payadde Sports Club and Global Cricket Schools women’s team, as well as the Cricket Club of India and Bombay Gymkhana men’s teams.
“It is fairly daunting, but I am really looking forward to the tour,” Roxsanne said.
“I will be with a lot of my NSW teammates, so that will be good.
“We will have to get used to the different pitches in India and also the heat, but I am looking forward to making new friends with our Indian opposition.
“Cricket is the most popular sport in India and is like a religion. I am told that in virtually every open area you can see people playing it, from youngsters to the elderly.
“I read that cricket was introduced to India by European merchant sailors in the 18th century and since then has gained in popularity, so much so that that these days the test stars are treated like gods, so it is going to be a real eyeopener.
“We will have a bit of time to visit some of India’s famous attractions.”
The historic tour comes right in the middle of Roxsanne’s busy local sporting schedule.
She is also a player and co-coach of the Panthers Premier League hockey side and also has taken up the role as coach of the Lithgow Workmens Club Wolves Oz League side.
“I have some good people behind me helping out, so hopefully I will not be missed too much during my tour.”