JESSICA Cameron is quickly becoming the premier big-game player in international women’s cricket.
The Williamstown-born 23-year-old was named player of the match in Australia’s win over the West Indies in the Women’s World Cup 2013 final in India last Sunday night (Melbourne time).
It’s the second time in six months she’s played a huge role in getting the Southern Stars across the line in a major tournament.
In September, Cameron made 45 off 34 to steer the Stars to the Women’s World Twenty20 title, with victory over England in the final in Sri Lanka.
While Cameron racks up the runs, she does it in the most entertaining fashion, using her 360-degree shot-making to advantage.
“We have plenty of batters in our side and I know if I went out at any time, someone else would take over,” Cameron said on the podium in the post-game celebrations. “We’ve got a really strong batting line-up and it showed today.”
Australia posted an imposing 7-259 off 50 overs. The Stars top order fired with Cameron combining in big partnerships with Meg Lanning (31) and Rachael Haynes (52).
Cameron continued while wickets fell around her before skying a loose ball into the hands of Kyshona Knight at deep midwicket.
A late flurry of runs from captain Jodie Fields (38 not out) and Ellyse Perry (25 not out) got the Stars up to an imposing total.
“The pitch played really well today, which is always good for a batter,” Cameron said.
“It was a bit tough for the bowlers, but, you know, that’s just cricket sometimes.”
The Stars bowled the Windies out for 145. Perry, who struggled with an ankle injury, picked up a crucial 3-19 off 10 overs.
The retiring Lisa Sthaleker took 2-20 off 10 in her last international game.
Cameron finished with 225 runs for the cup — an average of 37.5 and strike rate of 81.52.
