GREEN...I’m just trying to take everything in, learn as much as I can, and play my role for the team.
contributed
Having long aspired to represent Jamaica’s senior Sunshine Girls, Zaudi Green is on the brink of realising that long-awaited dream.
Green’s selection to debut at the upcoming Fast5 Netball World Series, scheduled for November 9 and 10 in New Zealand as part of an inexperienced squad, marks a significant milestone in her netball journey, one that has been defined by hard work and overcoming personal setbacks.
For Green, playing for the Sunshine Girls is a source of immense pride, as she is well aware of the legacy of excellence built by numerous players over the years. As such, she is honoured to be among the next generation of players striving to make their mark.
“Making the Fast5 team is a very big deal for me. I'm so grateful and honoured to have been selected to represent my country. It has been a big dream of mine to represent Jamaica, and I am so happy that I am now getting the opportunity to do so,” Green told SportsMax.Tv.
“It’s such a privilege to be a part of the legacy built by past and present players, and this serves as encouragement to work even harder. I’m here to learn, to improve, and to be a positive influence for the team. This opportunity is also a stepping stone for me to really push my career in netball, so I intend to go out there, showcase my talent, and represent my country,” she added.
Ever since she took up the sport in primary school, Green nurtured the thought of making it to the world stage. Now as she gets closer to parading her skills in fast-paced, high-energy Fast5 format, Green knows that every step of the journey has prepared her for this moment. But getting to this point was anything but easy.
Back in 2017, Green, a past student of Excelsior High and GC Foster College, suffered a severe patellar injury that threatened to derail her dreams.
Forced to spend months away from the sport she loves, Green, who won numerous titles during her school days, was left with a choice—give up or fight back harder than ever. She chose the latter, embarking on a grueling rehabilitation process that not only healed her knee but also strengthened her resolve.
“It was a really tough time for me,” Green recalled.
“I remember feeling so frustrated because I wanted to be out on the court playing and improving. But looking back, that injury taught me patience and perseverance and increased my faith in God, knowing that without Him, nothing is possible. It made me realize how much I love the sport and how much I’m willing to push myself to get better,” the Manchester Spurs representative shared.
“It shows that whatever I put my mind to, I can achieve it because when I got that injury, I thought that was the end of my career before it even took off. But I chose not to wallow in self-pity, instead, I saw it as an opportunity to bounce back stronger, which I did, and here I am now,” Green noted.
That determination has shaped her approach ever since. When Green eventually returned to the court, she was more focused and determined to achieve her goals. Her performances in local competitions quickly caught the attention of national selectors, and her relentless drive paid off when she received the call-up for the Fast5 squad.
“All the sacrifices, the pain, and the struggles were worth it. I'm really excited and happy to really go somewhere else and showcase my talent, so I'm preparing myself both mentally and physically to go hard when I get to New Zealand to ensure that I am ready and strong to give my best for the team and for my country,” she said with an air of confidence.
The mid-court player is well aware that the Fast5 Series is not only a chance to prove herself on the international stage but also a potential gateway to a professional career.
With scouts from the ANZ Premiership and the Suncorp Super Netball League always on the lookout for emerging talent, Green knows that a strong performance in New Zealand could open doors to an overseas contract—a coveted milestone for many aspiring netballers.
“Representing Jamaica is my dream, but I also want to go further and compete at the highest levels, like the ANZ and Suncorp Leagues. Those competitions have some of the best players in the world, and to be part of that would be incredible. I want to show that I belong on that stage and hopefully earn an opportunity to play professionally,” she admitted.
For now, though, Green is keeping her focus on the task at hand, which is to help the Sunshine Girls put in a strong performance in New Zealand. She knows that her debut will be a learning experience and, as such, is eager to soak up every moment on and off the court.
“I’m just trying to take everything in, learn as much as I can, and play my role for the team. The Fast5 format is intense and requires quick thinking and adaptability, but I’m ready to give it my all. I just want to do my best and make my family, my coaches, and my country proud,” Green stated.
“I really think we have a great chance of making it to the finals once we continue to have faith in each other, work hard, hold each other accountable, and, more importantly, have fun; we should give a good account of ourselves,” she ended.
Squad: Shadine Bartley, Paula-Ann Burton, Simone Gordon, Zaudi Green, Tiffany Langley, Roxanna McLean, Amanda Pinkney, Kimone Shaw, Kestina Sturridge, Corneilia Walters
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
I would have asked to bat in top four on debut, says England's Bethell
Jacob Bethell said that he would have asked to bat up the order on his Test debut had he not received a "surprise" invitation to do so by England against New Zealand.
Bethell scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls after coming in at number three and also hit the winning runs as the tourists posted an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Christchurch.
"I would have asked for it to be honest," Bethell told BBC Sport.
"I like batting up the order so I was really happy that opportunity arose. I've always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect," added Bethell, who had not battled above number four in his first-class career where he has an average of 25.44 from 30 innings.
The 21-year-old was called up to the England squad as a batting cover, but found himself in the line-up after an injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.
Bethell was dismissed for 10 in his first Test innings, but produced a quick half-century in the second as England chased down the 104-run target set by New Zealand with ease.
"It's everything I've dreamed of," said Bethell, who hit eight fours and a six during his knock.
"It lived up to expectations. It was so fun."
But Bethell will have his work cut out to keep his number three spot with Ollie Pope, who moved down the order due to workload management after wicketkeeping duties, being the regular for England in that position.
"It was my first experience playing in front of packed grass banks, pristine outfield, good pitches and playing against a good team, so it was great," Bethell said.
"To come out in the second innings and have a chance to walk off with an England win was at the forefront of my mind and luckily I was able to do that."
Born in Barbados, Bethell moved to England at the age of 13 and made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia in September.
He has scored three scores of 50 or more in 15 limited-over appearances for England so far, earning him a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League worth about £245,000.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin in Wellington on Thursday.
I would've asked to bat in top four on debut, says England's Bethell
Jacob Bethell said that he would have asked to bat up the order on his Test debut had he not received a "surprise" invitation to do so by England against New Zealand.
Bethell scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls after coming in at number three and also hit the winning runs as the tourists posted an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Christchurch.
"I would have asked for it to be honest," Bethell told BBC Sport.
"I like batting up the order so I was really happy that opportunity arose. I've always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect," added Bethell, who had not battled above number four in his first-class career where he has an average of 25.44 from 30 innings.
The 21-year-old was called up to the England squad as a batting cover, but found himself in the line-up after an injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.
Bethell was dismissed for 10 in his first Test innings, but produced a quick half-century in the second as England chased down the 104-run target set by New Zealand with ease.
"It's everything I've dreamed of," said Bethell, who hit eight fours and a six during his knock.
"It lived up to expectations. It was so fun."
But Bethell will have his work cut out to keep his number three spot with Ollie Pope, who moved down the order due to workload management after wicketkeeping duties, being the regular for England in that position.
"It was my first experience playing in front of packed grass banks, pristine outfield, good pitches and playing against a good team, so it was great," Bethell said.
"To come out in the second innings and have a chance to walk off with an England win was at the forefront of my mind and luckily I was able to do that."
Born in Barbados, Bethell moved to England at the age of 13 and made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia in September.
He has scored three scores of 50 or more in 15 limited-over appearances for England so far, earning him a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League worth about £245,000.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin in Wellington on Thursday.
England captain Stokes confident in fitness ahead of second New Zealand Test
England captain Ben Stokes allayed fears over his fitness despite an injury scare on Sunday.
Stokes' side claimed an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch, with Brydon Carse taking six wickets in the second innings.
But while Carse starred, becoming the first England seamer since Ryan Sidebottom in 2008 to take 10 wickets in an away Test match, Stokes was forced to abandon a bowling spell midway through his fifth over.
However, the England skipper claimed he was merely managing his body, and he is confident of being fit to feature in the second Test, which starts on Friday in Wellington.
He said: "I've not spent that much time out in the middle for a long time.
"It's been a pretty heavy week this week: a lot of time in the field, bowled 20 overs, and then spent some time out in the middle.
"I hurt my back diving for a ball as well.
"It's more management than anything else: with where we were in the game, it didn't feel necessary to eke out any more balls than I needed to. I think the body is going to be good for this outing, and I'm raring to go for Wellington."
Stokes also had special praise for Carse.
"I've been fortunate enough to grow up with Brydon [Carse] in my Durham days and I've always known his potential and his talent," Stokes added.
"So to see him come into this team and make an impact so early on is amazing. He's an absolute workhorse and he'll keep charging in all day regardless of whether conditions are in his favour or not.
"To see him get his rewards, walking off with six-for and 10 in the game is amazing."
It was a humbling defeat for hosts New Zealand, who were left to rue some sloppy fielding. Captain Tom Latham, though, was not too downcast.
He said: "Isolate the first two innings, that sort of surface, the position we were in, I was happy.
"We had our opportunities, on another day the catches go to hand and it would've been slightly different. That’s the sport we play.
"Some days it doesn't fall your way. From our point of view, guys aren't meaning to drop them, they are trying. Some days they catch them, other days it drops, that's the game of cricket."
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