The Southern Stars are enjoying themselves again - and it shows in their recent results, says Holly Ferling
Relaxed Southern Stars aim to keep improving
Adjusting to the demands of a hectic summer and simply having more fun have been the keys behind the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars' turnaround in form, quick Holly Ferling says.
After losing the first two KFC T20 INTLs to India, Australia bounced back to win the third by 15 runs, before a massive 101-run victory in the first one-day international between the teams on Tuesday.
Speaking on the eve of the second ODI in Hobart, Ferling said the squad had relaxed and it was showing in their performances.
"India shocked us, so it was good to come out there and finally play the way we wanted to," Ferling said.
QUICK SINGLE: Southern Stars hosted by Lucy Turnbull
"I think we're having more fun. I think we came into it a lot more serious, we enjoyed the WBBL season with our respective teams and then suddenly we were in the Australian set up and we thought we had to be dead serious.
"We're having a lot of fun now and I think that's showing on the field."
The Southern Stars players are enjoying one of their busiest summers to date – the 50-over Women's National Cricket League season was played over October and November, before players switched into their new club colours in early December for the inaugural Rebel Women's Big Bash League, which saw 59 matches played across 51 days.
WATCH: The Southern Stars beat India in first ODI
Then, two days after the WBBL|01 final, the Southern Stars found themselves back in national colours for the first T20 against India.
It's the sort of hectic schedule that has been part and parcel of the men's game for years, but it's a newer experience for the country's top female players.
However, a more demanding calendar is a major positive that players know they will need to get used to as the game continues to grow, Ferling said.
"I think moving forward, we love playing cricket and we want to play more cricket.
"So it's something we going to have to get used to. It's something that's going to continue to happen in the next few seasons, fingers cross there's still enough backing for women's cricket for more to happen, so it's something we have to get used to."
This home series against India is just the start for the Southern Stars – they will head to New Zealand on February 18 for three ODIs and three T20s, ahead of the Women's World Cup in India next month.
But first, Australia will look to seal a series win against India in the second ODI at Blundstone Arena on Friday, with Ferling predicted something in the pitch for the quicks.
"I love playing here in Tassie, I played here for the Brisbane Heat not too long ago and for the Ashes a couple of seasons ago.
"It's generally quite a true wicket, I always enjoy bowling here and it's always got a bit of pace and a bit of bounce."