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NEW DELHI: Expressing her ambition for a 3-0 series clean sweep, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland highlighted on Monday that Australia women’s remarkable record against India in ODIs reflects their sustained excellence over the years.
With 42 wins out of 52 ODIs against India, the Australians have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series.
Sutherland emphasised the team’s determination to secure victory in the third ODI against the hosts on Tuesday, aiming for a comprehensive series triumph. The upcoming three-match T20I series is set to commence on January 5 at the DY Patil Stadium.
“It is probably a testament to the consistency in the cricket that we’ve played, over a number of years,” Sutherland told the media in Mumbai before Australia’s training session.
“I think the depth across the squad as well, you see, anyone from the (squad of) 15 can come in and play their role,” added Sutherland, who was roped in by Delhi Capitals ahead of the second season of Women’s Premier League for Rs 2 crore.
“We are pretty keen to win this last game of the series. We will be putting our best team out there and looking to go 3-0 in the series to lead into the T20s with some momentum,” she added.
Sutherland highlighted that the high level of competition and exposure in Australia’s domestic cricket has played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for players into the international circuit.
“It probably goes down to the quality of domestic cricket back home as well, that every player is exposed to different conditions and challenging circumstances so that in the international stage, it’s not too big of a jump,” she said.
Sutherland, who boasts a century each in ODIs and Tests, shared that the theme of winning is integral for every player entering the squad. She emphasised that apart from skill development, players need to imbibe a mindset focused on winning and maintaining the belief that they can emerge victorious from any situation. Sutherland highlighted the importance of cultivating a winning mentality as a fundamental aspect of the team’s ethos.
“Another point is (that) winning is a bit of a theme that you have got to learn — how to win, know how to win and keep the belief that you can (win),” she said.
“The other night (second ODI) showed that India were probably on top for a long period of that game, but the group really kept that belief and showed that we can win from anywhere,” she added.
The 22-year-old Sutherland, who earned the Player of the Match award for her contributions of 3/47 with the ball and a crucial 23 runs in the second match, acknowledged that retaining a spot in the Australian team is always a challenge.
Sutherland highlighted the competitive nature of the team, emphasising that players need to consistently perform at their best to secure and maintain their positions in the lineup.
“Looking back to the start of the year (2023) — the World Cup in South Africa — I really wasn’t in the team as much as I’d like, but certainly learned a lot on the sidelines while watching,” she said.
“That has been the challenge, (a) part of being in this team is when you do get a chance, trying to hold on to the opportunity and make the most of any chances you get to make an impact in the game,” she added.
(With PTI inputs)



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