Depth of Stars has been crucial to their success, says upbeat Meg Lanning

“I think we had some really good young players signed on. But we also had a chance to have a bit of a clean slate,” said Lanning about the change in Stars’ fortune ahead of the final of WBBL06.

“We felt that we could build something and having Trent on board has been massive; he’s played a big part. I think the internationals that we’ve been able to get on board have done a great job.”

Stars also brought in Katherine Brunt and Natalie Sciver of England, while Mignon du Preez also stepped up this season.

“Mignon du Preez has been here for a long time but she’s taken her game to another level and been excellent around the group,” added Lanning.

“Brunt and Sciver coming in have fitted in so well. They’ve really taken on board the young kids and really helped them. We’ve really been able to build something special and really have good depth in our squad which really has played throughout the tournament.”

Stars haven’t always had to rely on their big names as the likes of Annabel Sutherland and Erin Osborne have stepped up at crucial times, which Lanning was quick to admit.

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“Erin was great the other night. Just gives us another spin option especially against left-handers as well,” said Lanning.

“(She) gives us the ability to take the ball away from the bat. I think she did a great job the other night; she didn’t get any wickets but she really kept the pressure on especially early on. She bowled some tough overs, so it was nice to have her back and I’m sure she will play a crucial role for us in the final.”

“I think (Annabel) has had limited opportunities throughout the tournament initially batting at five especially. In the start we didn’t give her enough opportunities but in the back end she’s shown that she’s really capable of coming in any situation and either calming it down or really taking the game on.”

Stars will take on Thunder in the title-clash on Saturday (November 28) at the North Sydney Oval, which will mean the end of hub life, which has been an extensive one for players based in Victoria, due to early quarantine protocols there. Lanning spoke about the importance switching off had been in these times.

“The one thing we’ve done really well is being able to switch off, because it can be difficult in the hub to escape cricket sometimes. It seems to follow you everywhere… running into opposition teams, cricket on TV and things like that,” said the Stars skipper.

“Trent Woodhill, our coach, has really driven that in that when we’re training and playing matches we are just really focussed on cricket but once we are away from that we can escape and really it’s up to individuals what they do. Having that freedom has really helped.”