Return of the swing for seamer Schutt

In case you hadn’t heard, Megan Schutt’s swing is back.

The Australian pace bowler’s form has been one of the major talking points since the Women’s World Cup squad arrived in the United Kingdom last weekend and the 24-year-old is expected to be one of the keys for the defending champions as they seek a seventh 50-over title.

After a tough 12 months spent struggling with knee injuries, Schutt now has a new run-up and has been quick to find her radar since arriving on English soil.

It took her just one ball to remove reigning ICC ODI player of the year and New Zealand captain Suzie Bates when Australia met the White Ferns in an unofficial practice match on Wednesday, leaving her teammates hyped at the thought of what she might be capable of once the tournament gets underway later this month.

"I think she’s going to be pretty excited to come over here and bowl," Australia opener Nicole Bolton said following the trans-Tasman warm-up game.

"She’s definitely seaming it around, she’s back to her old ways which is really great to see.

"She’s done a mountain of work up in Brisbane so it’s just really great to see she’s back bowling her best."

The secret to Schutt’s new groove is a revamped run-up.

Working closely with Australia bowling mentor Joe Dawes at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in recent months, she has taken several strides off her approach, a change that has not only left her feeling fresher but also helped her regain the swing that made her such a threat when she first emerged in international cricket.

"It’s nice to have the ball swinging again," Schutt said in Southampton on Friday.

"I lost it there for a fair while. My shortened run up has just got my wrist in a better position and (the ball) seems to be moving around again, which always makes me more confident.

"It also saves me a lot of energy.

"I had so much wasted energy and I didn’t even realise. Bowling eight overs feels like five now and it’s just really nice to come off and feel a bit fresher."

With Schutt and allrounder Ellyse Perry leading an Australian pace attack which also includes uncapped pair Belinda Vakarewa and Sarah Aley, the South Australian’s performances will be crucial.

Her newly regained form couldn’t come at a better time, either, with Australia hoping she can replicate her heroics from the 2013 World Cup in India, where – aged 20 and with just two international appearances under her belt – she finished as the tournament’s highest wicket taker.

"She seems to be hungry and ready to go," Australia coach Matthew Mott noted upon the squad’s arrival in the UK.

"She’s back swinging the ball, she’s got a shortened run up but looks really explosive at the crease."