‘We’ll need to be at our best’: Aussie youngster ready for the challenge in Mackay

Rising youngster Phoebe Litchfield is eager to make her mark for the Australian women’s cricket team as they prepare to battle New Zealand at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena. See what she had to say.

Phoebe Litchfield in action for Australia. Picture: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images.

Aussie cricketer Phoebe Litchfield is preparing for the biggest challenge of her young career, with one last opportunity to prepare for her T20 World Cup debut.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the Australian team is set for one last three-game series against New Zealand, with the first two games to be held at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena on Thursday and Sunday.

Litchfield, 21, is gearing up for her first experience at one of the game’s biggest events.

“I’m so excited, I’ve been a part of the squad for a bit but the energy around a big tournament like this hits different,” she said.

“I’m super pumped to get over there.”

Australian cricketer Phoebe Litchfield. Picture: Jonathan Ng

In the meantime the team has a series against the Black Caps to handle first and foremost.

“We can’t afford to take them lightly, they’re a formidable team who we’ll need to be at our best against,” she said.

“We back ourselves against any side in the world if we come together and play the cricket that we know we’re capable of playing.”

Mackay’s highly-touted GBR Arena will once again play host to elite sport, with Litchfield saying she enjoys the opportunity to play in front of regional communities.

Great Barrier Reef Arena. Picture: Supplied

“Being from the country myself I know how amazing it is when professional side’s come out and play,” she said.

“This facility is probably one of the best in Australia, I haven’t seen it for a couple years since I played Big Bash here but it’s looking even better since the refurbishments.

“The way country people get around their sport is great to see, when big games like this come to the area people make sure to get around it and show their love and support.

“Being able to meet some of the young girls who we were out there playing with (on Tuesday), I can remember meeting my heroes and it brings you closer to your dream.

“I hope we can be there for kids anywhere in Australia. There was plenty of good talent on display which was great to see.”

While the primary goal for the team was to win the series in front of them, Litchfield said they also wanted to take the opportunity to get themselves in the right mindset for the upcoming tournament.

“It’s a time to come together and try to put rust out of the equation as best we can,” she said.

Both Thursday and Sunday’s games get underway from 7.10pm.