Australian skipper Meg Lanning has assured spectators of a dominating role for her side in the coming world cup. Lanning, as per recent reports, believes that her team can reach new heights amidst the postponement of 2021 ODI World Cup. She has focused herself on the positives of the decision.
It has to be noted that Aussies were knocked out of the World Cup in 2017 at the semi-final stage. They have, however, emerged as one of the most dominant sides in One-day Internationals since then. After their World Cup defeat, they have won 20 out of their 21 ODI matches. Out of these 20 wins, 18 have come consecutively and this made a record in women’s cricket.
WORLD RECORD CREATED! 🙌🚨🚨
Meg Lanning led Australia Women registered 18 consecutive ODI Wins today defeating Sri Lanka Women in the 3rd ODI at Brisbane.
Congratulations @cricketcomau @CricketAus #AUSvSL #AUSWvSLW
📸@AusWomenCricket pic.twitter.com/tKOA1vpMYO
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 9, 2019
It is astonishing to know that the last loss for Aussies in this format came in October of 2017. They are now moving ahead to match with the record of 21 consecutive wins held by Ponting’s Australia when they were at their prime in 2003. Lanning feels that an extra year will help her side focus and plan better for the ODI world cup as the last two world cups in 2018 and 2020 were of the shortest format.
While talking to a media outlet, Lanning said that “We’ll try and work out the best combinations how we can play our best cricket leading into that 2022 year”.
Aussies have added 3 new names to their squad alongside the 15 that played the world cup recently. The three ODIs and three T20s to be held in New Zealand is the only assignment with Lanning’s side as of now.
Lanning said that “It’s hard to know what the impact of the break will be, but hopefully the momentum hasn’t been halted too much … the New Zealand series is a great chance to get women’s cricket front of mind again, so hopefully everyone jumps on board and we keep building the sport”.
New Zealand touring Australia will be the first instance of women cricket after the outbreak of coronavirus. Following the massive hit of T20 world cup held in Australia earlier this year, teams are eyeing to give their best in the upcoming ODI world cup.
Lanning and her side will enter the team as favourites and it would be interesting to see how the side manages expectations and their nerves. A long extension can gift the Aussie side to gel together after being separated for a while.
Source: Laura Jolly for cricket.com.au
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.