Lanning, Haynes can co-exist: Jonassen

Australia allrounder Jess Jonassen believes the two women who have  led Australia during the Women’s World Cup could feature in the same side if required.

Stand-in skipper Rachael Haynes has played just two matches in the campaign, included only when full-time captain Meg Lanning has sat out to rest an ongoing shoulder injury, but Jonassen believes any squad member can come in and make an impact regardless of the make-up of the final XI.

"We know if we wanted to go deep (in the tournament) that it's a whole squad effort," Jonassen said.

"For us we just look at the calibre of players that have been missing out each game. I don't envy the selectors."

Seam bowlers Sarah Aley and Belinda Vakerewa, and leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington each featured early in the tournament but have been left to carry the drinks in the back end of the campaign as Australia’s selectors have continued to stick to their best XI, with the only changes occurring between the injured skipper and Haynes when required.

"With anybody that misses out we're quite confident that whoever comes in will do the job for the team," Jonassen added. 

Australia travelled north to Derby for the first time last Sunday to prepare for their semi-final clash against India, who will play their fifth match in 24 days at the County Ground.

When asked if India’s familiarity with Derby would be an advantage, Jonassen said: "Potentially, but at the same time we'll spend the next few days getting used to the conditions and sussing that out and look through a lot of vision.

"For us a lot of it doesn't really change, regardless of the venue."

Despite Australia’s dominant eight-wicket victory over India in the group stage, Jonassen was wary of India’s quiet approach to the knockout stages.

"We know that (India) have a few match-winners in their side, and you saw that with a couple of the innings from their batters during that game against New Zealand," she said.

"We're quite wary of that but at the same time (we’re) making sure that we focus on ourselves and what we can do."

The left-arm-spinner has partnered Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry to take the new ball on four occasions this tournament and relishes the pressure of starting the innings.

"I really kind of thrive off the challenge to open the bowling and for me I see it as a really important role, you're essentially setting the tone for the whole innings," she said.

"For me I keep everything really simple regardless of when I come on to bowl. It's always nice to have a new ball in your hand."

The winner of Thursday’s second semi-final will advance to the final at Lord’s on Sunday.