Australia aiming to go big at North Sydney

Australia will be aiming to breach the 300-run mark should they have the opportunity to bat first in Wednesday's third one-day international against South Africa, vice-captain Alex Blackwell says.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars last posted an ODI total above 300 runs against India in March 2012 and while they had looked a strong chance to pass the milestone in Sunday's second one-dayer on the back of a 224-run second-wicket partnership between Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, they ultimately finished their 50 overs 4-278.

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With Australia looking to perfect all facets of their game ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup in England and with North Sydney Oval's reputation for big scores, Blackwell sees the game as a prime opportunity for the hosts' batting line-up to fire.

"We think as a team we had an opportunity to score over 300 at Manuka," Blackwell said after Australia's training session at Sydney University on Tuesday. "It's what we always aim for when we go out and bat.

"Scoring 300 was difficult at Manuka which was a bit slower than what we've come to expect, but North Sydney Oval should have a bit more pace in the wicket which will help.

"As a batting group we want to make sure we have established partnerships.

"We had a record partnership between Meg and Pez, so we want (more of those) to set us up to score more than 300 runs.

"For set batters to score a few more boundaries would be great and as new batters come in, they need to make sure their starts are succinct in getting off strike."

Australia's highest total at North Sydney Oval is 6-289, scored against New Zealand in December, 2012.

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The Southern Stars have not played an ODI at the ground since that four-match series against the White Ferns, a 3-1 victory best remembered for the Australian record 45-ball century scored by Lanning in the third ODI.

"We're excited to be back playing here at North Sydney Oval, it's a wonderful place to play cricket.

"We'll be trying to take this series 3-0, we're really aiming for that, plus it's the last game of the ICC Women's Championship so we're really keen to make sure we put our best performance to date on the park."

 

Blackwell, who didn't have an opportunity to bat in Sunday's second match and was dismissed for 25 in the first ODI, feels she is primed to make a big contribution with the bat personally.

"I'm really excited about my own game, I worked hard coming into this series and I'm always looking for ways to improve.

"I don't feel I showed that in game one and I'm really keen to get out there and have a solid innings, whatever my role is and whether we have early wickets down or fewer overs to go.

"As a number five bat, my job is to be quite adaptable."

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The hosts have won their last eight ODIs – a winning run that stretches back to Mt Maunganui in February – but Blackwell is as aware as anyone that Australia can't take anything for granted against the Proteas.

"South Africa are tough opposition and there's no surprise they've come out with great intensity and belief to win.

"I think we've got a real battle on our hands for the last couple of games.

"They've been mostly impressive with the ball and in the field.

"We want to be the world's best fielding side and we've definitely got a challenge on our hands from South Africa.

"They’ve taken some great catches."

With only three more matches against South Africa and three against New Zealand next year remaining before the World Cup next June, Blackwell says the defending champions can't afford to waste any opportunities.

"We want to win every game from here on until we get to the World Cup in England. We've qualified as the number one team for that tournament, so we're looking good and hopefully we can continue that."

The third ODI between Australia and South Africa will get underway at North Sydney Oval at 2.20pm AEDT on Wednesday. Entry is FREE and every match can be streamed live and free at cricket.com.au and on the Cricket Australia Live app.