"This group that we've got here is very different to 2017": Meg Lanning

Australia captain Meg Lanning said that the mental scars of Australia's 2017 World Cup semi-final loss to India are far behind them as they are preparing for the 2022 event in New Zealand. They have started the preparations and are confident of doing well in the upcoming mega event.

Australia had their first official training session, a fortnight after their arrival in Christchurch, after having spent their first week in quarantine before taking a seven-day 'rest to recharge themselves.

Australian players are ready to win the trophy and they are equally keen to turn the table against India this time as well.

"This group that we've got here is very different to 2017," Lanning told reporters in Christchurch on Friday. "The impacts of the 2017 World Cup have obviously changed the way we play but this World Cup is completely different.”

"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," she again added.

However, Australia are heavy favourites in the upcoming World Cup. Skipper Lanning was quick to open up about the defending champions England – despite Heather Knight's team recently finishing winless in the multi-format Ashes series as well.

"England are the reigning champions," Lanning said.  "They hold the cup, so we're all chasing them. World Cups and tournament play are very different from bilateral series. Every team starts on zero wins, it's an even footing … what has happened in the previous couple of years is irrelevant,” she stated.

"We feel like we're very confident coming into this World Cup with our game style and how we want to play but that doesn't mean anything when we start. We're looking forward to the opportunity to come up against them in that first game and try and build some momentum," Lanning added.

The World Cup will begin next Friday when the hosts New Zealand face West Indies in Mount Maunganui, and Australia meet England in Hamilton a day after.

"Everybody did it differently ... I generally like to be out and about, walking and looking at different things. I did play a few rounds of golf," she said of her week off. There's some amazing scenery here in New Zealand so we're very lucky to be able to see that. In the long run, heading into the tournament where it's really busy, having a few days to relax and take your mind off cricket will be very important," the captain concluded.

Women's ODI World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. 

Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne