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The Southern Stars confront familiar foes England in their World Twenty20 semi-final, with Jess Jonassen saying her side’s past glories count for nought.
The business end of Australia’s bid for a fourth straight women’s World T20 title will start at 8pm (AEDT) on Wednesday at New Delhi.
The two sides squared off seven times during last year’s Ashes series, and met in the final of the past two World T20 tournaments.
“We know their players quite well and they obviously know us quite well too,” Australia coach Matthew Mott said.
England are well aware of Jonassen’s potential to dominate with bat and ball.
The left-arm spinner grabbed three wickets in the 2012 World T20 decider, while she scored 99 on Test debut against England in 2015.
But it’s a performance the allrounder has long moved on from.
“The Ashes has been and gone. It doesn’t really matter what has happened in the past,” Jonassen told AAP.
“It’s different conditions and a completely different situation.
“I always love playing against England. It’s always a highlight. I think for most of the players in this group it’s the same.
“It feels even bigger now it’s the semi-final of a World Cup.”
England captain Charlotte Edwards can’t wait for her chance at revenge.
“It’s going to be one hell of a semi-final,” Edwards said.
“We’re looking forward to it.
“We know when you come to a World T20 you have to beat everyone.”
The Southern Stars banked three wins to reach the knockout phase, having been humbled by New Zealand in the pool stage.
Finishing second in their pool meant staying in India’s capital, where they defeated Sri Lanka and Ireland in their past two hit-outs.
It has allowed the squad to mentally refresh, including a trip to the Taj Mahal on Sunday.
“We’re certainly loving Delhi and it’s great to not have to travel,” Mott said.
“While we wanted to top the group, to stay here is an enormous advantage for us. We know the wicket well and our players have all played well on it.”
Much has been made of the role of spin at the tournament but Jonassen wasn’t expecting too much assistance against England.
“It’s been a pretty good batting wicket in the games we’ve played there and I expect much the same on Wednesday,” she said.
“Bowling in India is always an interesting challenge, not being a massive turner of the ball.
“I’ve had a few different roles in games as well.”
Offspinner Erin Osborne, who missed Australia’s last-start thumping of Ireland because of split webbing in her bowling hand, is expected to return to the XI.
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