Kimmince relishing key T20 role

Australia allrounder Delissa Kimmince admits she’d never expected to be part of this World T20 campaign, with the Brisbane Heat star relishing the key role she’s been handed in the tournament to date.

Kimmince’s canny variations have yielded excellent results for the 29-year-old in Australia’s three tournament victories to date. She’s bowled all four of her allotted overs in each game, collecting 1-21 against Pakistan before an economical 0-19 against Ireland.

Then on Tuesday’s win over New Zealand – a victory that sealed Australia’s place in the semi-finals – she took two key wickets in the space of an over to help take the wind out of the White Ferns’ chase, finishing with 2-24 from her four-over spell.

She’s also proved one of Australia’s best in the field, with two direct hit run-outs creating early wickets against Pakistan and Ireland.

"For me, I know when I come on my role is to try and slow the run rate as much as I can and bowl as many variations and I was lucky last night that I got a couple wickets," Kimmince said.

"I like to try and create some run outs early, I know it’s something people feed off in the field, so I feel like I can be that player to lift everyone and that’s what I’ve been trying to do."

Starring with the ball in Guyana is a long, long way from where Kimmince had expected to be after a three-year hiatus from the Australian line-up.

She was recalled to the Australian T20I squad 12 months ago during the Ashes, her first call-up to the green and gold since being ruled out of an away Ashes campaign in 2015 and her first match since 2014.

It was the latest step in what’s been a stop-start career for Kimmince, who made her debut in 2008 only to walk away from the sport altogether one year later.

After spending time working in a pub in England she found her way back to the sport and, in 2014, to the national team, until a badly-timed back injury ended her Ashes hopes in 2015 and had her thinking her days of international cricket were over.

Kimmince had played eight 20-over matches for her country prior to her recall in late 2017 but she’s now firmly re-established herself as a key member of Australia’s T20 set-up.

"Definitely not," Kimmince replied when asked if she’s expected to be where she is today. "I think even in my time in the team I’ve run more drinks than I’ve played games.

"It’s been nice to get that opportunity to get out on the field and play some games.

"I’m really enjoying my cricket and have been quite relaxed and the group’s in a nice place at the moment."

Kimmince was part of Australia’s most recent victorious World T20 squad in 2014, when she played two matches during the tournament in Bangladesh.

Now, she’s daring to dream of a second title – but refuses to get too far ahead of herself.

"It would be a great feeling if we can go all the way, I definitely think we’ve got the team for it and we’re in great form at the moment.

"We’ve just got that calmness at the moment which is always pleasing when playing these big games.

"It would mean a great deal to me considering the career I’ve had so far, but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves."

2018 ICC Women's World T20  

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

November 9: Australia beat Pakistan by 52 runs

November 11: Australia beat Ireland by nine wickets

November 13: Australia beat New Zealand by 33 runs

November 17: Australia v India, Province Stadium

November 22: Semi-finals, Sir Vivian Richards Ground, Antigua

November 24: Final, Sir Vivian Richards Ground