Early strikes the key for Southern Stars

Early success with the ball looms as the key for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in their semi-final clash with England.

Throughout the group stage of the tournament, the Southern Stars – particularly their spinners – have been masterful at the art of shutting down opposition batters during the middle overs and in the later stages of the innings.

However, the Australian bowlers have yet to dominate the first six overs – with opposition teams scoring 0-39 (South Africa), 0-44 (New Zealand), 1-38 (Sri Lanka) and 1-34 (Ireland).

Quick single: Familiarity can breed success for Stars

With England captain and opener Charlotte Edwards thriving in the subcontinental conditions this tournament, averaging 57, Southern Stars coach Matthew Mott knows it will be crucial to contain England early.

"I think it's really important for us to nail that first power play," Mott said.

"We've looked back and reviewed it and there have been some couple easy boundary balls that we’ve talked about.

"So if we can minimise that damage in the first power play and maybe take a couple of wickets, then I've got a lot of confidence in our middle overs strategy and certainly in the way we're finishing off in the back end."

Australia will also be mindful of England's sleeping giant – Sarah Taylor – who looms as a major threat, despite a disappointing run in India to date with scores of 9, 16, 3 and 0.

"Charlotte (Edwards) is a great player and has been for a long time, but they have a number of different players who are very dangerous," Australia captain Meg Lanning said on Tuesday.

"Sarah Taylor can take a game away from you very quickly and they've had some cameos from other players as well.

"I think top-order runs are the key for both sides, if they can get away it will be a pretty key thing for the game so the power plays will be crucial for both sides."

One bonus for Australia on Wednesday should be the return of off-spinner Erin Osborne.

Quick single: Top order clicking at the right time, says Mott

The 26-year-old was rested from the Ireland clash as she manages a split webbing injury, but given Australia's reliance on their spinners to curb the run rate this tournament, it's likely she'll claim her place back in the XI alongside left-arm tweaker Jess Jonassen and leg-spinner Kristen Beams.

"I've been talking to the doctor about Erin and while it was touch and go last game and we probably could have taken the risk (and played her), we decided to be a little bit conservative, with the semi-finals in mind," Mott said.

Beams, meanwhile, says she is relishing her role shutting down batting line-ups in India.

After Ireland raced to 0-33 in the fifth over on Saturday, Beams joined with Jonassen and medium-pacer Rene Farrell to put on the brakes, allowing just 29 runs from the next 10 overs.

"It's been really good, Jess Jonassen and I enjoy bowling in tandem together," Beams said.

"The ability to stop the runs at either end and build partnerships and hopefully take a few wickets in there as well is something we really enjoy when bowling together.

"It seems to be working well for us and we always believe we can peg it back no matter what."