Australia can move within reach of a sought-after record and seal the series in Monday’s second one-day international against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Spurred on by a semi-final loss to India in 2017, Meg Lanning’s side have since dominated the 50-over format, their comfortable win in Saturday’s series-opener their 19th straight.
A clean sweep of the series at Allan Border Field would put them level with Ricky Ponting’s world record mark of 21, set in 2003.
It’s a feat they’ve publicly targeted, while the rescheduled 2022 World Cup is the next carrot dangling for vice-captain and opening batter Rachael Haynes.
“There’s no escaping the fact I’m one one of the older players in the squad now and … that one-day World Cup in England (in 2017) was a line in the sand,” she said.
“We’ve come so far as a group and that’s the thing we want to atone for and try and get and I’d love to be a part of the squad that does that.”
The 33-year-old’s consistent form has demanded a spot at the top of the order in the 50-over format, the left-hander stroking 44 in their seven-wicket win on Saturday.
“It’s pretty hard to crack into the top order in this team,” she said.
“I’m certainly in the best shape I’ve ever been in my career and hitting the ball alright.”
A major roadblock has already been cleared, with New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates (shoulder) ruled out of the series and batter Lauren Down (elbow) only a chance of returning for the final game in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Big-hitting allrounder Ashleigh Gardner is expected to be fit to play despite injuring her finger in Saturday’s win.
TRhing-me
Roar Rookie
It's the old argument. Apart from Australia who else can afford the bats, balls, wickets, bags, scorebooks, boots, clothing, helmets, pads, rolled pitches, clubrooms? need I go on? New Zealand are much better playing in the mud, drizzle and darkness than on manicured Australian ovals.Who will beat Australia? (Occasionally the Barmy Army. Only at singing.