There is a title to defend, so sightseeing will have to wait: Meg Lanning

Meg Lanning will lead Australia Women in T20 WC 2023 [Twitter]

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 is upon us, with current champions Australia aiming to win their third global title in a row. The Meg Lanning-led side are on a winning streak after claiming the 50-overs World Cup and the Commonwealth Games gold medal last year.

Ahead of the tournament, Lanning asserted that her team is focused on playing and that sightseeing can come at a later stage. Lanning, herself, is making a return to the international arena after taking a six-month break due to mental health. 

Writing in her column for the ICC, Lanning said that it was her first time touring the African nation along with many others.

"For one, it will be the first time I and most of the squad have been to South Africa, and while we can’t wait to drink in the culture, we still have a job to do. Not that it will come as a shock, but there is a title to defend, so sightseeing will have to wait. A new country brings new challenges, most notably adjusting to the conditions. 

The Australian skipper also talked about the scheduling of the bilateral against the White Ferns and the upcoming ICC event.

"There is just over a week between our flight and our opener against New Zealand in Paarl on February 10. But the one thing we have proven over the years is that our most valuable weapon is adaptability, both in training and on the field."

Lanning further revealed that she is excited about seeing Grace Harris perform on the global stage. So far, Harris has slammed 299 runs in 27 T20Is. 

Australia begins its title defence against New Zealand on February 11. 

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