Drumm sidelined as NZ struggle

Batting linchpin Emily Drumm will be a frustrated spectator as New Zealand engage in an uphill battle to keep the Rose Bowl one-day cricket series with Australia alive.
Drumm missed yesterday's 87-run defeat in Perth after suffering a recurrence of a long-standing hamstring injury in a warm-up game on Tuesday and will not play in the two remaining games at the WACA tomorrow and Sunday.
Coach Mike Shrimpton said the former White Ferns captain was expected to return to action for the team's second World Cup warm-up match in South Africa on March 20.
"We're putting her on hold. We don't want to inflame the hamstring any more," Shrimpton said.
"She's constantly getting treatment and there's evidence it's clearing. We're confident she'll be able to play in South Africa. We're just taking a precautionary approach."
Drumm, who has notched 94 one-day appearances, is slated for a return against South Africa under-19, two days before New Zealand start their title defence.
The 30-year-old was sorely missed as New Zealand failed to chase down Australia's 207 for eight at Lilac Hill.
New Zealand were in early trouble after skipper Maia Lewis (1) and Haidee Tiffen (0) were back in the pavilion with just three runs on the board and were powerless to recover.
They eventually meandered to 120 before being dismissed in the 46th over.
Nicola Browne, who earlier took two for 37, top scored with an unbeaten 29.
Opener Maria Fahey made 21 and wicketkeeper Rebecca Rolls 20 as an unforgiving Australian bowling attack turned the screws.
Shrimpton, though happy with the bowling and fielding effort, conceded New Zealand's batting lacked spark.
"There's a lack of confidence with the bat. We have to show more intent and back ourselves a little bit more and have some faith.
"Hopefully we can start fresh on Saturday."
Australian captain Belinda Clark was again a thorn in New Zealand's side, leading the way with a classy 86 off 114 balls.
Clark and Melanie Jones (55) added 97 for the third wicket but New Zealand fought back to claim five for 31 as the host's attempt to post a mammoth total was thwarted.
"It was a good recovery to pull them back but we had an opportunity to win the match but we got off to the worst possible start and never recovered," Shrimpton said.
"There wasn't a foundation for the middle order to build on."
Since New Zealand trumped their trans-Tasman rivals in the 2000 World Cup finale in Christchurch, Australia have won 13 of their 15 subsequent encounters.-NZPA