NZ v Australia women’s ODI series: Meg Lanning’s big disappointment despite record haul

In the midst of worldwide praise for the world record achieved by Meg Lanning’s all-conquering side, the Aussie captain has vented her frustrations.

NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 30: Meg Lanning of Australia plays a shot during game two of the International T20 series between New Zealand and Australia at McLean Park on March 30, 2021 in Napier, New Zealand. (Photo by Kerry Marshall/Getty Images)

In the midst of worldwide praise for the world record achieved by Australian captain Meg Lanning’s all-conquering side on Sunday was a fair notch on her own belt.

The one-day win over New Zealand, a world record 22nd in a row, was also the 50th for Lanning as captain.

She has only been skipper in 58 ODIs for Australia and won 50 of them. That’s an 86 per cent winning record.

Lanning, now 29, also averages 54.38 with the bat in ODIs, a number that jumps to 66.29 against New Zealand.

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Meg Lanning of Australia leaves the field after being run out

They are a trio of incredibly impressive numbers, but during this tour, which included two T20s and a washout, Lanning has made just 28, 27 and five in the world record game.

That her team has continued to win is evidence of its evolution and profound batting depth, which is not lost on the skipper.

But Lanning also wants to make some runs, starting with the second ODI on Wednesday, once again at the Bay Oval in Tauranga, where she has made three of her 14 one-day hundreds.

“I feel like I’m hitting the ball well, I was a little bit frustrated in the T20s not to go on and make a big contribution, I feel like I started well there,” Lanning said.

“The other day I got out early, there was movement around and the Kiwis bowled well.

“I feel like I’m hitting the ball well, I’ve just got to get through that initial period when I get out there and then cash in if I can get through that.”

Days on from the world record, Lanning isn’t sure, just yet, how big an achievement it is. But she is confident it is something that will crystallise with time.

“It’s something we will look back on in a few years time and realise how good an achievement it is,” she said.

“When you chat about it as a group, and when (coach Matthew Mott) spoke after the game, it probably sunk in a little more.

Lanning returns to Bay Oval, a ground where she has scored three centuries.

“But for the moment, we’ve had a day off, then looking ahead to the next game. The Rose Bowl is an important trophy we want to win.”

Lanning said the Aussies would go with their strongest line-up, and possibly shelve the idea to rest speedster Tayla Vlaeminck, especially after the washout in the third T20 last week.

“We’ve got a full squad to pick from, we’re playing on the same wicket we played on the other day, so we’ll just have a look at it today and see what the best line-up is,” Lanning said on Tuesday.

“We’ll go in with our strongest team we can. We’ll assess at training today how Tayla’s going and how the bowlers are going.

“There have been a couple of days between the games here which gives us a bit more time.

“We are looking at the management of the fast bowlers here to make sure we’re looking after them (but), if Tayla’s available and fit we’ll probably stick with her.”

Originally published as NZ v Australia women’s ODI series: Meg Lanning’s big disappointment despite record haul