Australian skipper Lanning unfazed by chasing pack

The sometimes unflappable Meg Lanning could not resist a wry smile on the considered England contemplating her all-conquering Australia beatable.

Australia have held the Ashes since 2015 and can kick off the newest multi-format sequence with a Check at Trent Bridge on June 22.

England bowler Issy Wong began the pre-Ashes disagreement by implying Lanning’s expenses had been now not the fearsome opponent they’d as soon as been.

“It is a actually good time to truly go at them and say, ‘Proper, you’re the greatest workforce in historical past, however you’ve got a few new faces in right here and let’s have a look at should you’re nearly as good as you had been 5 years in the past’,” Wong informed English media earlier this month.

When requested concerning the feedback, Australian skipper Lanning replied: “I did see that article and feedback. I feel it is nice.

“It’ll be a extremely thrilling sequence. England are enjoying a little bit little bit of a special fashion, I assume,” she informed reporters.

“They’re speaking concerning the fashion that they are enjoying, they have a brand new coach as nicely and unearthed some new gamers inside their squad, they’ve gone via a little bit of change. So, we really feel assured going over there.”

Lanning believed Australia’s mixture of youth and expertise saved everybody on their toes.

“There is a actually good vibe across the squad and positively wanting to maintain pushing to have extra success,” she mentioned.

“I have never sensed something that exhibits that we’re kind of sitting and ready.

“We all know that we have to hold getting higher to remain forward of the sport and groups are chasing us.

“So the Ashes can be a extremely good early have a look at what that may be.”

Teammate Jess Jonassen was adamant Australia would not relaxation on their laurels and felt a duty to set the benchmark as different international locations tried to play catch-up.

“It is at all times good and gratifying to win video games and be out the entrance, nevertheless it’s actually difficult to attempt to keep there,” she mentioned.

The tour of India later within the yr will give Jonassen and the present Australian workforce an additional incentive: the chance to play a Check match there for the primary time.

“Every season or every year provides one thing additional that you just’re actually wanting ahead to,” Jonassen mentioned.

“For us final yr it was the Commonwealth Video games. And this yr, it is that concept of enjoying a Check match in India.

“Being over there in India over that Christmas/New Yr interval will likely be completely different for us.

“We’re usually again right here in Australia on house soil in order that will likely be one other added problem however one I do know our workforce is admittedly wanting ahead to.”

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