2017 World Cup loss was a ‘kick up the butt’ we needed: Megan Schutt

Australian seamer Megan Schutt has reckoned that the shock semi-final defeat to India at the 2017 50-over World Cup was a 'kick in the butt' that her side needed at the time.

Defending champions Australia were sent packing from the 2017 event thanks to a whirlwind, outrageous 171 from India's Harmanpreet Kaur.

Since then, Australia has embarked on a juggernaut that has seen them squash their opponents with ruthless disdain. In the 41 games they have played since the 2017 World Cup, the Meg Lanning-side has dropped just two games out of 41.

This also includes a world-record 26-match winning streak, which India broke last year. But, that blip aside, Australia has been imperious in the ongoing World Cup, winning 8 out of 8 to make it to yet another final.

For Schutt, the 2017 semi-final exit has paved the way for Australia to become more professional and dominant. According to her, unlike in 2017, the Australians have Plan B, C, D, even F for every situation.

Speaking to the media ahead of the final against England, Schutt said, "Look, that [Australia's elimination in the 2017 World Cup semi-final] was long ago. We were a very different team, and when I see photos from the XI that were on that field [in Derby], it's almost a 180 flip,"

"And what that [defeat] brought was a form of professionalism and accountability that we didn't have back then. And now we have plans A through to F, which was the kick up the butt that we needed. So, as much as we can talk about that being a failure and whatnot, that created a really good dynasty for us, and it's nice five years later to finally be in a final." she added.

Schutt added that Australia, with the kind of cricket they have played, deserves to be in the position they find themselves in.

She also added that it's incredible to see how her side has performed, given the fact that it has been a closely-contested World Cup.

"It's a dream start. We've had some challenging games there. But, I mean, this tournament has been so tightly contested that coming away with eight straight [wins] speaks volumes about the cricket we've played.

"I think today [Wednesday] was definitely a more clinical performance [in the semi-final against West Indies] and one we'd be happier with when we're going through our reviews which is crazy to have that kind of form coming in,"

"We've been playing consistent cricket for a long time now, and I genuinely believe we deserve to be in this position, but doing eight straight so far is great. 

Australia- the six-time world champions- will look to add another title to their cabinet when they take on defending champions England on April 03.