Early release: Aussie World Cup squad's quarantine relief

Australia's ODI World Cup players have been given a pre-tournament boost after learning they will be released from hard quarantine three days early.

Meg Lanning's group had been set for a 10-day stint in a Christchurch hotel, but the New Zealand government's decision to move to 'phase two' of their Omicron response from Wednesday will see quarantine periods – including for those arriving from overseas – drop to seven days.

It means they will likely be released on Thursday evening, rather than Sunday, and have three extra days not only to enjoy fresh air and freedom, but importantly to also prepare themselves physically for the month-long tournament.

"It was definitely a nice surprise," leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington told media on Tuesday.

"It's a weight off some of the girls' shoulders, they've been itching to get outside to go for a run.

"We've very grateful that's happened."

Australia are one of four teams staying at the same Christchurch mandatory isolation facility, alongside England, who shared a charter flight with the Aussies from Melbourne to New Zealand following the end of the Ashes, as well as South Africa and Pakistan.

All will be released later in the week, as will West Indies, who are currently in Auckland, while Bangladesh, who arrived earlier, have just completed their 10-day stay in Auckland.

New Zealand and India meanwhile are in the thick of a five-game ODI series in Queenstown.

Wellington said the players had been staying as active as possible during their isolation, with stationary bikes and weight bags full of water at their disposal.

The South Australian has also been using her spare time to study Australia's upcoming opponents, after being recalled to the national squad for the first time in three years.

"We were fortunate enough to get a bike in quarantine, which is awesome – it always takes time out of your day getting on that," she said.

"I've been doing some research on other teams as well.

"I haven't been a part of the squad for the few years, I've got a lot of research to do on the teams I haven't played against before."

Wellington missed out on a spot in Australia's Ashes squad, overlooked in favour of Western Australia's Alana King.

But she earned a call-up as the second leg-spinner in the World Cup touring party after a standout campaign for Australia A against England A, where she was the leading wicket taker in both the T20 and one-day legs.

"I was very disappointed to miss out on the Ashes, but to be a part of that Aussie A squad was fantastic," Wellington said.

"Just the feeling of being back in an Australian environment was awesome and I was very grateful for that opportunity.

"Now to be part of the World Cup squad, I feel like a kid in a candy store."

While Wellington has been away from international cricket since early 2018, she does have some more recent experience playing in New Zealand after being part of their domestic T20 competition in 2019.

It is something she hopes to put to use if given an opportunity in the Australia XI during the tournament, which includes seven round matches before the top four teams progress to finals.

"It was really awesome to some turn and bounce in the pitches here," Wellington said of her time with Otago.

"I don't know if they've changed that much from then, it's been a few years, so we'll have to wait and see."

Australia will play warm-up matches against West Indies (February 27) and New Zealand (March 1) in Christchurch before commencing their campaign against England in Hamilton on March 5.

Women's ODI World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia's ODI World Cup 2022 fixtures

Mar 5: v England, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 12pm AEDT

Mar 8: v Pakistan, Bay Oval, Tauranga, 12pm AEDT

Mar 13: v New Zealand, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 15: v West Indies, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 19: v India, Eden Park, Auckland, 12pm AEDT

Mar 22: v South Africa, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 25: v Bangladesh, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 31: Hagley Park Christchurch, 12pm AEDT

Final

Apr 3: Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEDT

All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports