Watkins to play 100th ODI for White Ferns

Aimee Watkins is set to join the illustrious 100 club when she walks onto Allan Border Field against Australia in the final Rose Bowl One Day International tomorrow.

The White Ferns captain will join an elite band of just six New Zealanders to reach the milestone – the others being Debbie Hockley, Haidee Tiffen, Rebecca Rolls, Nicola Browne and Emily Drumm.

Watkins was earmarked for big things at a young age, making her debut at against Australia in 2002, aged just 19.

Over the past nine years she has forged a reputation as an aggressive left-hand batsman and accurate right arm spin bowler with a wonderful temperament. Watkins replaced Haidee Tiffen as White Ferns captain following the ICC Cricket World Cup in March 2009.

Watkins, 28, joked that reaching the milestone made her feel old but also said that is a real honour to represent the White Ferns for 100 matches.

“We only play eight to ten matches a year so it’s been a long time,” said Watkins. “Obviously it is a proud moment for me and not something many others have achieved so I’m excited about it.

“I’ve always taken a great deal of pride and pleasure in playing my country, so this game is going to be memorable.

Watkins identified the two ODI centuries she scored in 2007 as her most memorable moments and is hoping to mark her 100th game with another.

“I scored two centuries within a month and those innings contributed to wins so they are memorable.

“Wining games of cricket is why I play the game - the main thing that drives me is winning.

“My main goal is to try to add another century tomorrow and help get a victory for the team.”

Australia has a three-two lead in the Rose Bowl Series with one match to play.