Tullamore’s Emma Rippon is gearing up for an exciting challenge, heading to Bali in April to compete with the Australian-Indian Women’s Cricket Team.
The two-week tour will see Emma take on high-level national teams, giving her the chance to test her skills on the international stage.
Emma was selected for her strong cricket ability and adaptability, something head coach Ron Woods believes will make her a valuable asset to the team.
“Emma is a very astute player,” Woods said.
“Her game sense is excellent, and as an opening batter, she has the patience and technique to handle top-class bowlers.
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“She also bowls spin and is a great fielder, so she brings a lot to the team,” he said.
The Australian-Indian Women’s Cricket Team was established 15 years ago to provide female players from both backgrounds with high-performance training.
Since then, it has grown into an elite program, with international tours to India and now Bali.
Woods explained that the idea for the team came after noticing that some female players of Indian descent weren’t receiving high-performance training.
“We decided to start the Australian-Indian Women’s Cricket Team to blend players from Indian backgrounds with Australian players in a high-performance environment,” he said.
Beyond cricket, the program also focuses on personal growth and cultural understanding.
Players from regional Australia get to learn about Indian cricket culture, while Indian players gain insight into the challenges of playing cricket in rural Australia.
“Emma, coming from regional NSW, has had the chance to mix with these girls, train with them, and build camaraderie,” Woods said.
“It’s not just about cricket… it’s about developing as people.”
The Bali tour will be a big step for Emma, as she competes in an ICC-sanctioned T20 and T10 tournament against strong national teams.
Woods expects the competition to be tough but believes Emma and her teammates are ready for the challenge.
“She’ll be tested,” he said.
“Most female cricketers around the world are now training with high-performance coaches, so the standard will be high.
“But we’ve got a strong team, and Emma adds real strength to our lineup.”
Playing at an international level will also give Emma a boost in her cricket career.
“She’ll come back with more experience, more resilience and a better understanding of her own game,” Woods said.
The Australian-Indian Women’s Cricket Association is always looking for new players from all backgrounds.
“If anyone wants to get involved, we’re always happy to have a chat,” Woods said.
“This is about learning, growing, and experiencing something new.”
