Australia bracing for crucial India clash

After getting off to a fine start to their Cricket World Cup campaign, Australia find themselves facing what's shaping to be a must-win clash against India.

Jess Jonassen celebrates a wicket.

Jess Jonassen has been in fine form with the ball but Australia know they have to improve. (AAP)

After cruising through their opening four matches of the Cricket World Cup, Australia now find themselves facing what's shaping to be a must-win clash against India.

Sunday's three-run loss to England saw Meg Lanning's side knocked off the top of the eight-team table and relinquish their unbeaten record.

India sit in third spot and are the only team to beat England with fifth-placed South Africa, who face Australia on Saturday, the first side to lower their colours with a 115-run victory last week.

Defeat in their last two matches could result in the unthinkable prospect of the six-time world champions failing to qualify for the semi-finals.

A single point separates top-of-the table England and fifth-placed New Zealand, who also play on Wednesday, with South Africa in action against winless Sri Lanka.

Victory against India on Wednesday would cement Australia's semi-finals spot but there is a realisation from the team that improvements need to be made with both bat and ball.

The extras count against England reached 32, with 23 coming from wides.

But the biggest issue was the lack of positivity in the middle overs as the home bowlers tied down the runs after Lanning was dismissed for 40 puttng the 260 target out of reach.

The prospect of the clean-hitting Ash Gardner being promoted up the order has also been raised.

Gardner currently bats at nine but showed her class with a huge six from the first ball she faced against England as she tried to accelerate the run chase.

"With the team we have nothing is really out of reach," said veteran vice-captain Alex Blackwell.

"You see how Ash Gardner hits the ball, Alyssa Healy... it's great having that depth but we left too much for that talent to do.

"We were a bit behind and needed to play with some freedom and enjoy it."

"We have to look at what are the types of bowlers that are pinning us down a little."

Despite the extras, Australia bowlers have been excellent during the tournament, with spinners Kristen Beems and Jess Jonassen complimenting seamers Elysse Perry and Megan Schutt.

Beems is the joint-top wicket-taker of the tournament with nine, Jonassen has seven victims with Schutt and Perry six and five respectively.

The hot weather in the UK has led to spin-friendly wickets which has played more into the hands of the slower bowlers, with Perry sending down just seven overs against England.

But Blackwell believes that the variation offered by Australia's bowlers is a strength.

"What is really pleasing is our bowling attack and the balance," she said

"Beemsy was outstanding and Schutter with her multiple changing of pace and she has also been outstanding in the outfield."


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Source: AAP



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