Aussies flexible on order
SCOTT BAILEY
AUSTRALIA is ready to adopt a floating batting order in the women’s Twenty20 World Cup to ensure that it gets the most out of superstars such as Ellyse Perry.
The Aussies have one of the deepest line-ups in the world, with Perry regularly slated to come in at No.5 and Rachael Haynes at No.6.
It has raised concerns that both bat too low with Perry not out in five of her six T20 innings last year and Haynes only batting four times in nine games. Research by the side’s coaching staff shows players batting at No.6 or lower rarely face more than 10 balls in T20s.
That has prompted coach Matthew Mott to promote a floating order that varies depending on the situation, keeping opponents guessing and ensuring the right players arrive when needed.
Out-of-form opener Alyssa Healy will retain her spot alongside Beth Mooney, amid confidence the wicketkeeperbatter can regain the form that made her player of the tournament in Australia’s 2018 World T20 success with her aggressive approach.
Below them Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, Perry,
Haynes and the all-rounders could be shuffled around.
“Our order is structured but flexible,” Mott said yesterday.
“A lot of that will be around our research on who we are playing, where they are likely to bowl, what totals we are chasing as well. And then the match-ups. You [opposition sides] can plan all you like but if you don’t know if someone is coming out at No.8 or No.3, you have to think on the run a lot more.”
Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminick is expected to be ruled out of the World Cup with a foot injury.
Vlaeminck arrived at Australia’s reception in Sydney yesterday with a moon boot on her right foot. It’s believed the youngster has suffered a stress fracture.