After a whirlwind debut year in international cricket, Phoebe Litchfield is poised to take on her first T20 World Cup with renewed perspective and invaluable experience. At just 21, the left-hander is coming off a season that had its share of highs and challenges, but every moment has prepared her for what lies ahead.
Litchfield, who is currently in Mackay, is gearing up for her maiden ICC tournament after missing out on Australia’s triumphant T20 World Cup squad in 2023. She may have missed that boat, but with 36 international matches under her belt, her future is looking brighter than ever.
Litchfield’s entrance into the Australian side was nothing short of spectacular. A pair of half-centuries in her ODI debut against Pakistan in January 2023 set the stage for what would be an impressive run. She played in 30 of Australia’s 34 matches across all formats during her rookie season, peaking with her maiden ODI century in Ireland last July and a dominant series against India in early 2024.
Her sensational 260-run spree in just three ODIs in Mumbai and an explosive T20 series soon after solidified her status as one of the game’s rising stars. Unsurprisingly, she was crowned the ICC’s Young Cricketer of the Year.
“International cricket is hard, and you don’t score runs all the time,” remarked Litchfield.
Litchfield faced a dip in form towards the end of the season, managing just 60 runs in her last 10 innings. It was a period of struggle that taught her valuable lessons.
“I’ve never played so much cricket in such a short time. It took a toll on me, and I was constantly wondering, ‘When’s my next run coming?’” Litchfield candidly shared. “But that’s what this life is about — playing cricket, traveling the world. Even during the tough times, I loved every moment.”
Litchfield learned that the highs and lows are part of the game and accepting that has helped her focus on the bigger picture.
After a grueling 15 months of international cricket, Litchfield wisely took time off to refresh. She spent time in New York with her sister, who’s studying acting, and reconnected with family in Orange. This downtime allowed her to mentally reset and gear up for a jam-packed 2024-25 season.
As she prepares for the T20 World Cup, Litchfield has adopted a more relaxed mindset: “If I train well and practice well, whatever happens on the field is out of my hands. I can only control what I can control, and my goal is to stay positive.”
“I’m also working on expanding my scoring options, like incorporating more sweeps and hitting down the ground.”
While she usually opens the batting in ODIs and Tests, Litchfield has embraced a different role in the T20I squad, often coming in as a middle-order finisher. It’s a role she’s excited about as she heads into her first major tournament.
“If I do play, my job will likely be in the middle order, building on the platform set by the top order. I can’t wait to get out there and contribute to the team.”
The energy of a World Cup is something special, and Litchfield is ready for the challenge: “The excitement around a world tournament hits different. I’m super pumped to get over there and be a part of it.”
Phoebe Litchfield’s journey over the past year serves as a testament to the highs and lows of professional sport. It’s not always about the runs or the trophies, but the lessons learned along the way. Armed with newfound resilience and an unwavering passion for the game, Litchfield is ready to make her mark on the world stage.
