Fresh and focused Sutherland targets T20 World Cup success

Annabel Sutherland heads into the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 rested and refreshed after taking a couple of months away from cricket following an extended period of action that began with last year’s ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. 

"Physically, mentally, just to refresh and prioritise what I needed to make sure that I'm raring to go for when it matters most – which is this T20 World Cup," Sutherland told cricket.com.au.

"It was really well supported by Cricket Australia … it was a two-way discussion in terms of what was best for me and best for the team looking ahead to the T20 World Cup."

"I think it's obviously tough when your teammates are playing and I absolutely love playing for and representing Australia, so I missed that – but I knew it was the right call for me, to be honest." 

Sutherland decided to skip Australia’s white-ball tour of the West Indies in March in order to fully recharge ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup. 

With the much-needed break now complete, the right-arm quick is eager to make an impact in England and Wales as Australia chase a record-extending seventh T20 World Cup title.

"I had a good amount of time at home, which was nice, a bit of a holiday but just time at home, which is bit of a rarity," she said.

"(I'm) feeling refreshed, ready to go and importantly, energised and looking forward to what's to come, which is a big couple of months away."

In the shortest format, Sutherland has been a key cog for Australia with the ball, though she is yet to make the same impact with the bat. She averages 11.55 at a strike rate of 136.84 in T20Is, although she has batted only 23 times in 48 matches and has largely featured at No. 7 or lower in the order.

The all-rounder understands that the depth and quality of Australia’s batting lineup means her role with the bat often comes lower down the order. Regardless of where she bats, Sutherland remains eager to make an impact for the side. 

"I want to impact the team as much as I can, and doing that with bat and ball is part of my role … we've got a pretty stacked batting order that we pretty much bat down to 10 or 11," Sutherland said.

"Wherever I sit in that (order) I want to impact the game, and if I get the chance to do that, then that's awesome."

Australia are part of Group 1 of the T20 World Cup alongside South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

Australia squad: 

Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham. Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson

Australia’s T20 World Cup fixtures (group stage)

v South Africa: June 13, Manchester, 2:30 PM

v Bangladesh: June 17, Headingley, 10:30 AM

v Netherlands: June 20, Hampshire Bowl, 10:30 AM

v Pakistan: June 23, Headingley, 6:30 PM

v India: June 28, Lord’s, 2:30 PM