Rolton, Fitzpatrick notch one-day tons
Australia's two leading women cricketers Karen Rolton and Cathryn Fitzpatrick will celebrate centuries in Friday's series-opening Rose Bowl match against New Zealand.
The Southern Stars skipper and world No.1 batter Rolton and Fitzpatrick, Australia's fastest bowler, will both play their 100th one-day internationals against the White Ferns at Allan Border Field.
"It's great to do it with Rolts and it will be nice to look back on down the track," said Fitzpatrick, 38.
Like a men's equivalent Glenn McGrath, the veteran spearhead has no thoughts of retiring, believes her body is in great shape and is a better bowler now than at 25.
Fitzpatrick, who made her international debut in 1991, has 167 one-day wickets at the remarkable average of 15.74.
Even more amazing is Rolton's numbers with the bat.
The left-hander, who plays second grade men's cricket in Adelaide, has 3,746 runs at 56.75 and can also boast 84 wickets with the ball at 20.73 since debuting in 1995.
Rival NZ coach Steve Jenkin, who guided Australia at the 2005 World Cup, this week joked the best tactic against Rolton was to avoid dismissing Australia's openers so the No.3 couldn't bat.
The pair were congratulated by Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
"To play with such dedication over so many years to finally reach the century and still be leading the women's game as they do is testimony to their skill and quality as cricketers," Ponting said.
Rolton is in signature touch after scoring 71 off 59 balls to lead her team to a thrilling tie in Wednesday's Twenty20 match against NZ.
Julie Hayes then clinched victory in the bowl-off by hitting off-stump with the last ball of the tie-breaker.
The dramatic finish has promised a tight five-match Rose Bowl series between the current world champions and the White Ferns, who triumphed at the 2001 World Cup.
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