A T20 call-up didn't appear to be on the cards for Erin Osborne after she had been left out of Australia's one-day squad for their series against India.
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The ACT Meteors off-spinner admitted that her good form throughout the WBBL had left her hopeful of selection, but her recent omission had resulted in a few doubts creeping into her mind.
But Osborne was cheering on Tuesday after being named in Australia's world T20 squad for next month's World Cup.
"It's always a nice phone call to receive," she said. "It was disappointing missing out on the home series. That being said, I was happy with how I finished with Sydney Thunder. I think it almost took the pressure off and I was able to go back and just enjoy the cricket."
Osborne was crucial to Sydney Thunder winning the inaugural Women's Big Bash League, named player of the match after taking 3-21 in the final against Sydney Sixers.
She also joined an elite group of women to have played men's premier cricket in Canberra, playing for Tuggeranong Valley against North Canberra Gungahlin at the weekend.
The World Twenty20 is set to take place in India in March and April, with Australia opening their tournament against a powerful South African side on March 6.
Osborne and Australia's other spinners will be looking to take their opportunities on the spin-friendly pitches of the subcontinent.
"I'm really looking forward to getting on some slow, turning wickets," she said. "I think as a team we've had quite a bit of success there and our spinners as a group have as well."
Osborne expects Australia to be competitive in their push for their fourth consecutive World Twenty20 title, and she warned that Alex Blackwell could be the player to watch after her successful series against India.
"I was really impressed with how Alex Blackwell batted for us in the middle order. She came in in some difficult situations for us and was able to rotate the strike and score boundaries, which is something none of the other batters seemed to do."
"I think her being able to sweep, [and] hit square will be beneficial for us in India."
Osborne was wary of the challenge that India will present at home, and said they were among the favourites to challenge Australia.
"To be honest, I was really surprised with how India came and played here in Australia. They played an attacking brand and had quite a bit of success against us, so they're definitely a team to look out for."
