Phoebe Litchfield among contenders to move into T20 top order

The disappointment of World Cup elimination is in the rearview mirror as the Aussie women’s team prepares for a bumper summer.

Australia women’s coach Shelley Nitschke says elevating Phoebe Litchfield up the order in T20 cricket is “something we’ll definitely look at” as the Ashes approaches.

Last month’s World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa will be Australia’s most recent competitive T20 game when they face England in three matches midway through the seven-game, all-format Ashes series in January.

Nitschke said the Australian camp had not reviewed the upset loss but would “dig in” when they came together ahead of the three-game ODI series against India in three weeks’ time.

“Obviously it was a really disappointing result for us … but there’s a fair bit coming up for us to look forward to,” Nitschke said on Tuesday.

“We actually haven’t had a chance to complete the review yet, but when the players come back together … that’s going to be a really good for us to be able to create a bit of space now between that game and coming back to really dig in (to the review).

Phoebe Litchfield has made an impressive start to life as Sydney Thunder captain, batting at three in the WBBL after she was used as a finisher by Australia at the T20 World Cup. Picture: James Worsfold / Getty Images

The coach, who said she had been watching “an amazing brand of cricket” in the WBBL, said Litchfield could be promoted in the shorter format.

The star left-hander, who has posted scores of 51, 8, 49, 40 and 34 in her first five games as Sydney Thunder captain, did not come into bat until No. 6 as Australia crawled to 5-134 before it was chased down by the Proteas in the World Cup semi-final.

Former captain Meg Lanning said Melbourne Stars skipper Annabel Sutherland would also be a strong candidate to refresh the T20 top-order after being given a tailend role for the UAE tournament.

“It was different (seeing the side lose) … T20 is such a fickle game, it only takes one person to have a bit of a blinder for a couple of overs, and the game is gone,” Lanning said.

“I think it just goes to show the record the team has had over a long period of time is so good, especially in that format, to be able to win as many as we did.

Former Australian captain Meg Lanning (right) has backed Annabel Sutherland (left) to play a more important role with the bat for the national side. Picture: Mark Evans / Getty Images

“20 (runs) off 10 (balls) as opposed to 30 off 25 these days as a much more impactful contribution, so I guess the mindset around that, in any team you’re playing, probably needs to shift a bit.

“We praise a lot of the big runs, but’s it’s actually more about impact rather than the number, in that sense.”

Cricket Australia on Tuesday announced a new partnership with UNICEF Australia which will feature throughout the season.

The day-night women’s Ashes Test at the MCG beginning January 30 will include a “The Appeal Appeal” campaign promoting the fund with every shout for a wicket.

“While our women’s cricket team have been making history on the pitch for a long time, there are still millions of young girls across the world who are denied the basic rights they are entitled to,” UNICEF Australia boss Tony Stuart said.

“UNICEF Australia is extremely proud to be partnering with Cricket Australia, to help us deliver our crucial work in gender equality – for millions of girls around the world who can’t make it to the pitch.

Cricket Australia announced a new partnership with UNICEF on Tuesday to promote worldwide participation for girls in cricket. Picture: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images

“We know cricket fans are passionate and engaged – and protecting the rights of girls will resonate with them, so UNICEF can deliver vital programs that protect and empower girls.”

The partnership threw a spotlight back on CA’s support for Afghanistan women’s cricketers, the majority of whom have lived in Australia since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The players asked the ICC for assistance setting up a refugee team earlier this year but have not received an official response.

“We’ve certainly sought support in the background (for the players),” CA boss Nick Hockley said.

“I’ve had the real privilege to meet and spend some time with the players, and certainly we are working behind the scenes on ways we can continue to support (them).”

Australia continues to refuse to play the Afghanistan men’s team in bilateral series while their women’s team is disbanded, but has played against the side in recent white-ball tournaments.