Captain Jodie Fields’ Australia team will face various pressures over the next two weeks in Sri Lanka as they attempt to defend the World Twenty20 title they claimed in Barbados in 2010.
Not only will the other seven sides in the event be gunning for the Australians, but they’re also conscious of the promotional opportunities provided by playing double-headers in the semi-finals and final next week in Colombo.
But opener Meg Lanning says the team’s main focus is simply to win the tournament and in an event that only lasts 12 days, there’s no time to be getting bogged down with any mental baggage.
“We’re here to win the tournament, not to defend it,” Lanning told AAP on Wednesday as the team travelled from Colombo to Galle ahead of their opening game against India.
Australia’s Lisa Sthalekar was named No.1 bowler and No.1 allrounder in the inaugural women’s T20 rankings released this week.
“It is fantastic to have Lisa be recognised in this way and it is great for Australian women’s cricket to have one of our senior players leading the way in this format of the game,” Fields said.
Australia’s group opponents are England, India and Pakistan and Lanning says England in particular will be tough to beat, with a lineup that includes T20 world player of the year Sarah Taylor.
England captain Charlotte Edwards is the No.2-ranked batter, trailing only teammate Taylor.
Lanning, 20, is confident Australia have the hitting power led by Alyssa Healy to post winning totals.
“It’s really important for us to start well in the tournament,” Lanning said.
Lanning says soccer international Ellyse Perry and offspinner Sthalekar will be key weapons in Australia’s bowling attack, with Perry possessing the ability to hurry batters and force them onto the back foot.
“We’ll be looking to Ellyse to take early wickets. There was a lot of media attention around here a few months back,” Lanning said of Perry, who joined SydneyFC earlier this month after being told by former club Canberra United to drop cricket and focus on football.
“We’re very happy to have her here in the team. We all look forward to the opportunities to play in double-headers with the men.
“The top four teams in the semi-finals and final have the chance to really showcase women’s cricket.”