I think I am a lot more confident about what my where scoring options are, says Rachael Haynes

“I think it has come because of the little bit of experience to be honest,” Haynes told reporters during a virtual press conference. “When I was younger I used to get frustrated a lot quicker and try and hit really big shots. I think I am a lot more confident about what my scoring and high percentage options are."

“I am also batting with some quality players down the other end. Players like Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, they are really good to bounce suggestions off. Even yesterday Meg could sense I was getting a bit frustrated and she just came down and suggested some really good options where I could score.”

The 26-year-old scored a valuable 44 in the first ODI against New Zealand on Saturday which really set the tone for Australia’s chase of 181 before Lanning finished it off with a beautiful unbeaten 62. “It’s a nice opportunity (role of a opener). It’s hard to crack into the top order of this team. In T20Is, obviously, Alyssa and Beth are doing a great job over the years, but it’s a nice opportunity to play at the top,” she added.

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Australia won the T20I series against New Zealand 2-1, and if they win the remaining two ODIs, the Lanning-led side would touch Ricky Ponting’s side of 2003 in winning a record 23 consecutive matches. Speaking about the team performance, Haynes said, “I think our team really did a good job. It feels like it’s been a long time between ODIs as the last time we played in here was against Sri Lanka."

“Both the sides were a bit scratchy at times but our bowling group made most of the conditions and particularly our spinners did a fantastic job and I expect them to do that for the next couple of games. The wicket was really dry and given that, our spinners genuinely turned the ball. I thought they hit really good areas, perhaps bowl a little bit fuller as well, probably what they did in T20Is and allow the ball to really turn."

“It was tricky for the batters and they just kept applying more and more pressure and soon enough have those opportunities to take wickets. They didn’t do anything wrong yesterday and it’s nice to see the bowling group dominating,” added Haynes, who has 58 ODIs till now to her name.

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Haynes had a strong pre-season in Sydney with New South Wales and also admitted that this was the best she has had in quite a while. Talking about where she stands as an individual, Haynes said, “There is no escape from the fact that I am one of the older players in the side."

Like most others, Haynes wasn’t surprised when the 2021 World Cup got postponed considering what’s happening around. “Obviously it does change your focus a little bit - took me a while to get my head around. It was nice to spend some time with family and looking forward to this series and getting back there and play some cricket,” she added.

Haynes, who’s only ODI ton came against Sri Lanka last year, also echoed head coach Matthew Mott in admitting the progress they have done in terms of fielding. "I think we recognise that as a big part of the game where you can separate yourself from other teams. We haven’t got too many fielders that perhaps don’t stand out or out of position. We have got players who can field in the ring and outside and be really impactful."

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"Even Ash Gardner, yesterday some of her saves in the outfield, our catching has been really good for the most part. So for us we really pride ourselves. I think it’s a trade for most Australian teams, they wanna set themselves a path on the field," said Haynes.

Asked how it's like facing the spinners at the nets now that WBBL06 is coming, Haynes is finding them challenging. "To be honest, I find our nets sessions pretty tough, even against the pace bowlers, it’s a big challenge. The practice wickets up here are turning as well so it certainly gets you moving. You got to be really good at your feet and be decisive. I think it’s the best preparation that you can have going into a game," she added.

Haynes, who is relishing the challenge, hopes to cash in the remaining two ODIs on October 5 and 7 as well. "I think my body is really going well. I think the training helped me get physically stronger and in better shape. I am probably in the best shape at the moment I have ever been in my career. I am hitting the ball right and I think I could have done a little better yesterday.

"The wicket here is a little bit different than what it is traditionally at the AB (Allan Border) field, the wicket here and perhaps hasn’t had as many games, its tricky conditions at times but I am enjoying the challenge. Hopefully, I can cash in tomorrow," she concluded.