This series is a good test for everyone just to see where we're at

Now Australia's captain is preparing for a new four-nation tournament in India pitting the World Cup holders against the hosts, England and New Zealand.

Q. The World Series is likely to be Australia's biggest challenge since the last World Cup - how have the team's preparations been going?

A. We've had the chance to play some cricket since the World Cup - a series against England in England, we hosted India in Adelaide last February and New Zealand in Brisbane last October so that's been good to get match play under our belts.

We've also had some camps in between so our preparation has been quite solid but there's always things to work on and improve and the best way to prepare for the 2009 World Cup is to test ourselves in tournaments like the World Series.

Q. You've managed to win your last nine one-dayers at the same time as introducing some new faces into the squad. How difficult a balancing act has that been?

A. It can be difficult but it's also a reality because players come in and out of the team for different reasons. Overall I think we've been pretty stable as a group and that's probably the answer - being able to retain a core group, introduce some young talent along the way and lean on the experience of other players to see you through.

Q. Since the World Cup, you've inherited the captaincy from Belinda Clark. How big an adjustment has that been, bearing in mind that you already have a big responsibility as the team's leading batter?

A. Captaining Australia was a dream of mine so when I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity, I had no hesitation. I was vice-captain of the side for seven years so played a support role to Belinda and learnt a lot from her.

We're different in our styles but same in the sense that we were both top-order batters and there is some expectation around that. But I was already involved in the leadership group so stepping up to be captain was the next progression for me and so far I think I am making that transition but of course you never want to take anything for granted and there is always things that can be done better.

In a sense I am still in a new role and it's important that I am open to taking feedback from all around me if there are ways or things that I can improve or make a difference.

Q. Having lost the likes of Belinda and Lisa Keightley, it must be great to still have fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick around - what's the secret of her longevity?

A. Cathryn is certainly a once in a generation player and at 38, is still a match winner for us. I think she would attribute her longevity to her action, which is very efficient for a fast bowler and is one of the most technically correct actions you'll see, as well as the support she received from our physios and fitness advisors over the years because they play a big role in recovery and making sure players are properly prepared and ready to play each game.

Q. You missed part of last year's Rose Bowl series because of a knee injury - are you 100% again now?

A. I returned to play for South Australia in the last round of our domestic season and the knee felt good. After missing the earlier matches in the season I'm really keen to get back out there so this series is great timing for me.

Q. Australia were too strong for India in the World Cup final, but they are a tougher proposition on home soil. Do you see them as the main threat to your chances of winning the World Series?

A. India at home is always a tough proposition and there's no doubt that they are improving all the time, as are England and New Zealand. This series is a good test for everyone just to see where we're at. It's important for us that we keep pushing and stretching ourselves because we need to if we are to maintain our standing and defend the World Cup in 09.

Q. England also lost their captain after the last World Cup - how surprised were you by Clare Connor's decision to retire?

A. I guess for female players that also have careers and families to balance it's got to be expected that they may not play as long as they possibly could. Clare was a fantastic player and a great leader of her team and if she felt the time was right for her to call it a day, she's the only person that can make that decision.

Q. Now Charlotte Edwards is in charge and in a similar situation to you in that she's also England's main batter - how highly do you rate her as an opponent?

A. Very highly. Charlotte is a talented player and we were actually looking forward to having her at the South Australian Scorpions this season where she would have really bolstered our team but unfortunately she wasn't able to join us because she was still recovering from her knee injury. If she gets a start and gets settled she has the ability to post some big scores so we'll be doing everything we can to stop her early!