Southern Stars skipper looking to add to her five ODI tons against New Zealand, starting on Friday
Kiwi conqueror: Meg's mighty streak
Australia captain Meg Lanning will be out to continue her incredible record against New Zealand when the Commonwealth Bank Women’s ODI series begins in Perth on Friday.
In 15 one-day innings against the White Ferns, Lanning has scored 902 runs at 69.38, her best average against any of the other top six nations, ahead of the West Indies (63.16), India (44.45), England (42.64) and South Africa (57.80).
Five of Lanning’s 12 one-day tons have been scored against New Zealand, the most recent of those a match-winning effort to ensure the Rose Bowl trophy remained in Australians hands in early 2017.
“Playing against New Zealand is always good fun and a good challenge,” Lanning said at the WACA Ground on Thursday.
“We do play each other quite often so we know each other’s games well.
“They’re always really great series and games to be a part of. I’ve enjoyed coming up against the Kiwis in the past and this series is no different, we’re looking forward to a good challenge there.
“They’re in really good form and we’re going to have to play really well. So hopefully I can contribute to that again.”
Lanning’s first century against New Zealand came in late 2012, when she reached triple figures from just 45 deliveries in what remains the fastest ODI ton by an Australian.
She scored another against the White Ferns during the 2013 World Cup in India and then three more across two Rose Bowl series in 2016 and 2017, all at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand.
Lanning also has good memories of playing ODI cricket at the WACA Ground, the venue where she scored her first international century, in just her second match, against England in 2011.
“The WACA is always a great place to play cricket,” Lanning said. “I’ve played a little bit of cricket here throughout the season (for Perth Scorchers) and it’s always great to play at the WACA and we really enjoy it.
“It will be really exciting and hopefully there’s a really big crowd coming along to watch.”
New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite said her team wouldn’t focus too closely on any one individual Australian player, given the depth in their rival’s ranks.
“I think it’s a strong unit you look at this side and the players they’re leaving out shows the depth they’ve got,” Satterthwaite said.
“We’ve got to look at this as a unit and not single out too many individuals. We’ve got to make sure we address everybody otherwise it could hurt us if we ignore a couple of players.”
One player out to stop Lanning will be New Zealand spearhead Lea Tahuhu – widely considered the world’s quickest female bowler – who has engaged in some fierce battles with the Australian captain both at international level and in the Rebel WBBL.
“I think she's just a bit taller than everyone else and comes from a different height,” Lanning told Direct Hit in the lead-up to the series of Tahuhu.
“She gets really good bounce and she's obviously got that good pace as well.
“I’ve faced a fair bit of her over the last few years and really enjoy each time I’ve faced her. It’s always a really good battle and I’m looking forward to that again.
“She's certainly going to be someone who we’re going to have to play well.”
The first ODI between Australia and New Zealand gets underway at 10.20am local time (1.20pm AEDT) on Friday.
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, WACA Ground, Perth
February 24: Second ODI, Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
March 3: Third ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne