2017 World Cup loss to India had a big impact on us: Australia skipper Meg Lanning

With the Women’s World Cup 2022 starting in a few days’ time, Australia skipper Meg Lanning has opened up on the loss to India in the semi-final of the 2017 World Cup. Australia has dominated the ODI format since the last World Cup and they are No. 1 in the ICC ODI rankings as well. The Meg Lanning side has four batters in the top ten rankings and they are favourites to win the tournament without a doubt.

Meg Lanning mentioned that the 2017 World Cup loss to India had changed their style of play and noted the different sets of players that will be playing in the upcoming tournament. Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171 in just 117 balls in the semi-final shattered the hopes of the Australian side as they failed to chase down the score of 282 and lost the game by 36 runs in the end.

Kaur’s innings comprised 20 fours and seven sixes and took the game away from the Australian side despite Alex Blackwell’s 90 in 56 balls in the second innings. However, England women clinched the World Cup in the finals by beating India in a close encounter by just nine runs.

This World Cup is completely different: Meg Lanning

“This group that we’ve got here is very different to 2017. I think the majority of the players were not even involved in the tournament, and the majority of the staff also weren’t there. The impacts of the 2017 World Cup (loss) have obviously changed the way we play but, from now really moving forward, this World Cup is completely different,” said in an official release.

She added that every team will start their campaign with no points on board and explained the importance of winning games consistently throughout the tournament.

“It’s a new World Cup, everybody starts on zero points and needs to play well throughout the tournament. It’s a great challenge for our group but, to be honest, we don’t really talk about 2017 anymore. It obviously had a big impact on us but now it’s a completely different group, and we’re on a new journey together.”

Australia women will play their first game against the defending champions England women on March 5 and it will be one of the most anticipated games given the strength of both sides.