The Australian women’s cricket team walk into every tournament carrying the favourites tag. With seven 50-over world titles, a tight hold on the top rank in ODIs, and just one loss in 13 matches in the last 18 months, their dominant record is the envy of most sporting teams. It will only add to the expectations of defending their crown at the ICC Women’s World Cup starting on Tuesday in India and Sri Lanka.
Pressure naturally follows such a reputation, and losing isn’t an option. One blip is enough to cause a reckoning and bring a flurry of questions from outside. Australia’s only loss last summer denied them a fourth-straight T20 World Cup title. With one trophy already gone from their possession, Alyssa Healy’s side will be under added heat to hold on to the one-day title.
