Aussies primed for World Cup: Vlaeminck

Australian Women's Cricket Team fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck believes her team is ready for the challenge of a home World Cup, ahead of the Women's World T20 that begins next Friday in Sydney.

Australia will go in to the tournament heavy favourites, having won the most recent World Cup in the Caribbean in November 2018.

Meg Lanning's side won the T20 Tri-series this week, defeating India in the final by 12 runs at the Junction Oval in a tournament that also featured England.

Vlaeminck said the series was a perfect lead in to the World Cup.

"I think it's an ideal preparation leading in to one of the biggest things in female cricket the World Cup, to play against two of the best teams in the world on the wickets we are going to play them on was a perfect preparation." Vlaeminck told Sports Drive on Thursday.

"They really tested us at times which is great for the group and what we really needed."

Vlaeminck was recognised earlier in the week for her rapid rise in the women's game with the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year at the Australian Cricket Awards, having player in all three formats in the past 12 months and being a key contributor in the team's Ashes triumph last winter.

"I think it's just really humbling, considering it's a peer voted award made it a little bit more special as well knowing that the people that you train with every day and play against think highly enough of you. It's pretty special." The 21 year old said of the award.

Vlaeminck said the team would embrace the hype of hosting a world tournament.

"I think if anyone was asked whether they wanted to play in a World Cup at some of their home grounds I think you would be crazy if you said no." she said.

"Obviously it comes with a bit of pressure with crowds and expectations and stuff like that but I think we're just going to embrace it and have a great time in doing it."

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity really to play a T20 World Cup in front of family and friends and a home crowd, we're just really excited about it and cant wait to get started."

Australia opens their tournament against India at Spotless Stadium next Friday February 21st.

IMAGE: BBC