CHENNAI, Dec 9: The fate of the round robin league match of the Hero Honda Women's World Cup between Australia and Ireland here, depends on the weather.

The continuous downpour in the last few days had virtually ruled that the match would be a non-starter. But the fact remains that the sun did shine for long periods on Tuesday and if it does not rain any further, a delayed game may be possible on the morrow at the MA Chidambaram stadium.

Incidentally the three-day V Pattabhiraman Trophy under-16 match between Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad which ended today at the same venue was a total washout as the ground remained unfit for play.

But the welcome appearance of the sun raised hopes amongst the players and the organisers, Tamil Nadu Women's Cricket Association.

If the match takes off, three-time champions and strong contenders Australia are unlikely to face a strong challenge from Ireland who are yet to make an impact in the premier event.

Encouraged by the fine show of their men's team in the international arena, the Australian captain Belinda Clark said ``we want to match our men in the game. We will strive for that.''

Australia's strength lies in the fact that they have as many as six all rounders in Clark, vice captain Karen Rolton, Joanne Broadbent, Bronwyn Calver, Melanie Jones and Olivia Magno.

Referring to tomorrow's game, she said, ``We are well equipped. But we don't underestimate the Irish girls.''

Ireland made their entry in the World Cup in 1988 along with Holland. Their batting strength depends upon skipper Miriam Grealey, Caitriona Beggs, Nikki Squire, vice captain Catherine O'Neill and wicketkeeper Sandra Dawson.

Barbara McDonald and Divina Pratt are the medium pacers and according to Grealey, ``we have a good off spinner in O'Neill.'' She added that ``Fielding is our strong point.''

Teams (from): IRELAND: Miriam Grealey (capt), Catherine O'Neill (vice-capt), Caitriona Beggs, Sandra Dawson (wicket-keeper), Grainne Leahy, Tracey Skoyles, Barbara McDonald, Clare O'Leary, Davina Pratt, Cliodhna Sharp, Clare Shillington, Adele Spence, Nikkie Squire, Heather Whelan. Manager: Donna Armstrong. Coach: John Wilis. Physiotherapist: Ethel Bardy.

AUSTRALIA: Belinda Clark (capt), Karen Rolton (vice-capt), Jonnne Broadbent, Bronwyn Calver, Jodi Dannatt, Avril Fahey, Jualia Price (wicket-keeper), Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Michelle Goszki, Zoe Goss, Melaine Jones, Charmaine Mason, Lisa Keightley, Olivia Magno. Manager: Christina Matthews. Coach: John Harmer. Physiotherapist: Meg Mclntyre.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.