Positives aplenty as Australia plot path to T20 World Cup

Image: Sam Gosling / Cricket Australia

Australia coach Shelley Nitschke believes her side's recent series sweep over the West Indies has them well placed for success at this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

The six-time T20 World Cup champions looked to be in good touch during the 3-0 sweep over the West Indies in the Caribbean earlier this month, with the Aussies receiving strong contributions from a handful of different players across the three matches.

Young opener Georgia Voll smashed her first T20I century and finished the series as the leading run-scorer, consistent performer Beth Mooney was once again among the runs, while leg-spinner Alana King impressed with five wickets across the three matches as she pushes for a place in the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup that commences on June 12.

New skipper Sophie Molineux also got some valuable time to lead the side following the recent retirement of long-time captain Alyssa Healy, even if she was unable to bowl throughout the T20I series as she continues to recover from a back issue.

It left Nitschke satisfied overall as the Australia coach looks ahead to the 20-over showcase in England and Wales later this year.

"We've come away with a clean sweep and, it was a really good opportunity, for Soph to lead again," Nitschke said.

"Having three more opportunities to lead that group and work with the bowlers, which has been excellent for us, so it's been a good outcome."

Nitschke was tight-lipped as to whether Molineux would be fit to bowl during the ODI series with the West Indies that commences on Friday, with the coach suggesting the left-armer would have her fitness monitored over the coming days as she continues to develop in her new leadership position.

"She's been excellent. It's been so important for the team and for her to be here and leading the group," Nitschke said.

"We know what she can do with the ball, but unfortunately she is unable to bowl at the moment.

"But just being able to be out there, leading the group, had a really good contribution with the bat, which I think we all know how skilful a player she is with the bat.

"So it was good to see her get that opportunity and contribute the other day. So yeah, she's been amazing."

The absence of star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland provides the Aussies with some options at selection for the ODI series against the West Indies and Nitschke hinted a few different combinations may be tested across the three matches.

"I think we've got opportunity as we don't have Bels (Sutherland) here," Nitschke added.

"So we've got an opportunity where we need to change the order. We need to fill that No.5 position. So there's going to be some opportunities there as well.

"What that looks like, we will need to have a look at the conditions and see what our best combos are for that."