WBBL heavyweights Melbourne Stars touched down in Albury on Sunday, with skipper Meg Lanning hell-bent on her side continuing its impressive start to the season against Sydney Thunder at Lavington Oval on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Australian Southern Stars and Melbourne Stars leader has been looking forward to playing in the Border Bash for some time.
Lanning has been in the spotlight after her stunning performances for Australia against South Africa last month where she scored her ninth one-day international century in just her 51st appearance.
It equalled England’s Charlotte Edwards’ mark, which was achieved in 180 matches.
The 24-year-old said she tries not to take too much notice of the hype surrounding her, despite being on track to break all women’s cricket batting records.
“My job as a batter in the top order is to make as many runs as I can, so my thinking going into each game is to contribute to the side,” Lanning said.
“I’m lucky enough to be in the captaincy role and can have a pretty good influence on the game.
“I’ve had good support from people in the cricket fraternity and I’m just enjoying playing cricket and leading the side as well.”
Lanning played her part in her side’s season opening victory against the Thunder at North Sydney Oval on Saturday with 33 runs, while her opening partner Emma Inglis continued her good run of form with 46.
“It’s a new role for Emma this season and we saw her really make the most of the openers spot,” Lanning said.
“Hopefully we both can continue the good start we had and keep getting better from here.
“We thought we started off pretty well and built a pretty good platform for a bigger total than we got.
“Overall it was good and I think our bowlers did a good job, but there is still plenty to improve on, which is a good thing.”
Lanning believes bringing the game to regional centres is vital.
“It’s really important to take women’s cricket to new people and a new crowd,” she said.
“It’s a great time to be involved in women’s cricket and women’s sport and hopefully there are a fair few people out at the game on Tuesday to see two very good teams going together.”
Lanning’s already decorated career isn’t missing many achievements, but the Australian superstar hopes the WBBL title will be the next to add to her list.