Australia's stocks have been boosted by the return of Jess Jonassen, who played a starring role against the White Ferns in Perth
'JJ' returns with an all-round bang
Australia allrounder Jess Jonassen provided a timely reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in cricket during her player-of-the-match performance against New Zealand on Friday.
At the start of the summer Jonassen was in the hospital ward, undergoing surgery after injuring her knee at a training camp in September.
Once she recovered and re-joined the squad, it was to run drinks during Australia's successful T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean, with the experienced allrounder unable to break back into a winning side.
But on Friday, she made her ODI return in stunning fashion, taking four wickets and scoring 36 as Australia sealed a thrilling five-run, final-ball win over New Zealand at the WACA Ground.
"It was pretty satisfying, my main goal going into today was just to enjoy every moment," Jonassen reflected after Australia sealed a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"I think that was reflected in my performance in the end.
"Sometimes it's so easy to forget to enjoy what you're doing, it was just nice to take a few wickets and get a few runs and ultimately contribute to a win for our team."
With a full Rebel WBBL season and three 50-over domestic matches under her belt heading into Friday's game, Jonassen was able to star with both bat and ball.
Her 32-ball 36 added much-needed runs as Australia were bowled out for 241, while she broke a 99-run partnership between Katie Perkins and Amy Satterthwaite when it appeared New Zealand were well on track for victory.
A return catch sent Perkins on her way for 48, before the left-arm orthodox spinner bowled Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek with consecutive deliveries.
And in the 49th over, she claimed the key wicket of Satterthwaite for 92 to all-but put the result beyond doubt.
She finished with 4-43 from 10 overs.
"To be back on field and be able to contribute in ways I have in the past, it's really nice to be able to do that," Jonassen said.
"I still had one of the best seats in the house (during the T20 World Cup) to watch the girls do their thing over there and be part of that.
"(Today) I was just really happy to be back out on the field a part of the team today. I love being a part of this group, we've worked really hard over the last couple of years to create the culture we have now."
Australia now travel to Adelaide, where they'll will be looking to seal a series victory at Karen Rolton Oval in Sunday's second ODI.
They also picked up two crucial ICC Women's Championship points, extending their lead over the White Ferns at the top of the table.
"Any Rose Bowl match win is a good one," Jonassen said. "To start the series with a win is always nice, (especially) with ICC Championship Points also up for grabs."
The second ODI gets underway at 10.20am local time on Sunday (10.50am AEDT).
The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and the Seven Network and can be live streamed via Kayo, with news, scores and highlights on cricket.com.au and the CA Live App.
CommBank ODIs v NZ
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicola Carey, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Georgia Wareham
New Zealand squad: Amy Satterthwaite (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
February 22: First ODI, Perth: Australia won by five runs
February 24: Second ODI, Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
March 3: Third ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne