After securing an unprecedented fifth T20 World Cup title, Australia have already set their eyes on next year’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand next year. 

If they’re T20 dominance wasn’t already impressive enough, the Aussies are even more commanding when it comes to one day internationals. Ranked as the number one side in the world, they are on a run of 18 consecutive victories dating back to the start of 2018, having lost just once since their semi final exit to India in 2017.

That defeat was in fact, only the third occasion in which Australia have failed to reach the final of the ODI World Cup, winning the title on a record six occasions. What is perhaps even more fearsome for other competing nations however, is that Australia’s squad is arguably as good as, if not better than it has been for some time. They seemingly have the perfect blend of youth and experience, with icons of the game such as Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning complimented perfectly by emerging stars, including Ash Gardner and Tayla Vlaeminck.

Despite their imperious ODI form of late, any plans to prepare for next year have been put on hold as the coronavirus pandemic has rendered any cricket impossible. The Aussies were due to face South Africa last month, but the tour was suspended for safety reasons. They are due to host New Zealand and India for a Tri-Series, beginning on January 30th next year. Nicola Carey, one of a plethora of Australian all-rounders, told reporters that the sooner the side can get back to playing matches, the more prepared they will be.

“Not really sure what will happen when we go back for pre-season and how it will affect domestic and international cricket for that matter,” she said. “But definitely would love to play as many games as possible but there are bigger things at play here so we’ll just see what happens.”

Like the England side, the Aussie players have also been set training regimes to follow, and remain in contact with one another via social media. Time will tell whether travel restrictions will even allow teams to fly to New Zealand next year, but for the time being, a 7th World Cup title is still very much the goal for the Aussie side.