Australia eye final preparations against South Africa as allrounder’s batting role evolves

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Australia believe Annabel Sutherland is on the verge of unlocking her full T20 potential ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, with coach Shelley Nitschke backing her “360-degree” game to become a major weapon during the tournament.

Australia will use their upcoming matches against South Africa as the final stage of preparation before the World Cup, while management continues fine-tuning combinations and roles within the side.

Sutherland’s place in the XI is unquestioned because of her impact with the ball, but her batting position remains one of Australia’s biggest tactical discussions.

Despite becoming one of the world’s leading allrounders in Tests and ODIs, Sutherland has mostly batted in lower-order finishing roles in T20Is. She has often been used at No. 7 or No. 8, although Australia briefly experimented with her higher up the order in 2025.

Nitschke believes Sutherland’s adaptability could make her invaluable in tournament conditions.

She said the allrounder has shown she can succeed both at the top of the order and in finishing roles, adding that her range of strokes and ability to score all around the wicket gives Australia plenty of flexibility.

The Australian coach also predicted Sutherland is “on the cusp” of breaking open her T20 game internationally after already proving herself across domestic cricket and longer formats.

Sutherland enters the tournament refreshed after taking a break from cricket earlier this year. She skipped the WPL and missed the West Indies tour to prioritise her physical and mental recovery ahead of the World Cup.

Her last competitive innings was a stunning 129 in the Test against India at the WACA in March.

Australia themselves have played very little T20 cricket over the past year, featuring in only six T20Is since March 2025. The South Africa series will therefore be crucial in rebuilding rhythm and momentum before the global event.

Captain Sophie Molineux is also expected to be fully fit to bowl after recovering from a back injury, although Australia may rotate their bowling options during the warm-up matches.

Meanwhile, Phoebe Litchfield has been working on her wicketkeeping skills in training as emergency backup for Beth Mooney, with Australia currently lacking a second specialist keeper in the main squad.

Nitschke said the team management is closely monitoring conditions in England during the ongoing T20 Blast as Australia prepares for its opening World Cup clash against South Africa.