Aussies not satisfasfied: Haynes

Rachael Haynes could not have asked for a more perfect start in the Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes but has one simple, stern message to her team: "Don’t be satisfied".

Australia sneaked over the line in Brisbane in the series-opening one-day international before completely outclassing England on Thursday in Coffs Harbour to make it two wins from two matches to take a commanding four-point lead in the multi-format series.

But now is not the time for complacency, said Haynes after Australia completed their final practice run ahead of Sunday’s third and final ODI at Coffs International Sports Stadium.

"The moment you get comfortable and relaxed in what you’re achieving perhaps it leaves the door open a little bit," she said.

"Although it’s nice to get off to the start that we have we don’t want to sit back and wait for the rest of the series to come back to us, we want to go out and make sure we’re playing good, competitive cricket.

"Don’t be satisfied. That’s the really big thing. 

"We want to make sure that every opportunity we’re looking to improve individually and push each other as a team and come out in game three fresh and ready to go."

While Australia won’t go in to tomorrow’s match underestimating England – Haynes has made sure of that – the visitors are faced with what is essentially a must-win match.

A loss on Sunday would mean England would need to win all the remaining fixtures in the series – the day-night Test match at North Sydney Oval and the three Twenty20 Internationals, the first in Sydney and final two in Canberra. 

Running the table would be a huge ask of any team and England skipper Heather Knight knows just how crucial a victory on Sunday is in what is "potentially" the biggest test of her captaincy career.

"We are not in an ideal situation after losing those first two games, but it is still very much a contest," Knight said prior to England’s practice session. 

"There is still a hell of a lot of cricket to be played in this series. 

"It’s obviously a must-win, and a very important game for us on Sunday, and we have got to wrestle back that momentum from Australia. 

"They have taken it after the first two games but we are really confident the girls can do that. 

"We are going to have a really good session today and obviously bring our best tomorrow."

But England coach Mark Robinson doesn’t see it as a must-win clash and has his troops focused on tomorrow’s match and tomorrow’s match only. 

"I don’t look it like that (a must-win), I just try and win the game," Robinson said. "That’s all you can do. 

"It puts too much emphasis and can become too big and that can actually start to suffocate you. 

"So, all you try and do in any game, the final or the first game of the tour, or the third game of this Ashes, is you try and do the simple things as well as you can. 

"If you have not done as well previously you try and rectify that. 

"I think we will try and approach every game the same as simply and clearly as we can."

Sunday’s match holds extra significance for veteran batter Alex Blackwell, who will be playing in her 250th match for Australia, the first woman to do so in the green and gold. 

"She’s had an outstanding career,” Haynes said. "She’s such a wonderful leader. 

"To play 250 matches for your country is an amazing achievement, particularly in the era she’s played through. 

"When she started her career there was probably only one tour a year and now she’s played through a period where she’s touring more regularly. 

"One of the best things Al’s been able to do is really adapt her game, so it’s really great for young player who play alongside her to see that. 

"She’s been able to evolve as a player and a person. 

"I’m so happy for her that she’s gets the opportunity that she’ll have tomorrow. 

"It’s going to be a really great occasion for her and although we have a match to go out there and win I hope it’s a special moment for her too."

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia lead England 4-0

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule

First ODI Australia won by two wickets

Second ODI Australia won by 75 runs (DLS method)

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT