On arrival in South Africa for a tilt at a 3rd consecutive T20 World Cup, Australian captain Meg Lanning was adamant the hole had closed between the defending champs and the remainder of the world.
The Aussies wanted to evolve, and taking six totally different gamers from the squad that received the 2020 title was a part of that.
They added one of the best T20 batter on this planet, Tahlia McGrath, big-hitting Grace Harris and a brand new leg-spinner, Alana King, among the many inclusions.
But presumably probably the most threatening addition is 19-year-old quick bowler Darcie Brown, who in a single warm-up sport confirmed the form of weapon she shall be within the match.
Brown’s air pace eclipses something most different groups can serve up and that confirmed as she snared 4-17 to skittle India for simply 86 at Newlands Cricket Ground, effectively in need of Australia’s modest complete of 9-129 on a tough pitch.
“She’ll be wonderful over here,” teammate and fellow seamer Megan Schutt mentioned relating to Brown’s potential World Cup influence.
“She’s a true blue fast bowler, but one who can swing the ball. I don’t think there’s many out there like Darcie Brown who bowls 125km/h and can swing it. I think she’ll be fabulous.”
Brown and Schutt’s significance for the Australians was rammed house, with England smashing 246 and South Africa making 229 chasing that of their warm-up match at Stellenbosch.
Brown mentioned she and the defending champions have been actually simply blowing out the cobwebs having solely been in South Africa for every week.
But her efforts have been additionally positive to pique the curiosity of all 5 Women’s Premier League groups forward of the public sale, locked in for February 13, with a giant payday on supply as staff’s splurge $2.1 million.
She was adamant, nevertheless, the Australians haven’t overlooked their World Cup purpose. “We’ve discussed it, a few of the girls are going to go and might have a little bit of money but we have a World Cup first,” she mentioned.
“The auction is in the middle of the tournament, but at the same time you can’t change what happens. Everyone is pretty relaxed and just want to get this done first.”
The solely concern for the Aussies within the 44-run win over India was the 19 extras, together with 18 runs from wides, they added to the Indian scorecard that Brown mentioned was presumably a hangover from the lengthy journey to South Africa.
“It happens, we’ve been on a on a long plane flight, we’ve bowled in the nets maybe once for a little bit, but I think that’s why we have warm-up games as well,” Brown mentioned.
“We‘re not too worried about it … I think the more we’ll play, it’ll get more consistent, hopefully.”
Australia begins its World Cup marketing campaign in opposition to New Zealand on February 11.
Source: www.news.com.au
