Australia will take on the two highest ranked nations in the opening round of the 2018 Women's World Cup after the WBSC today revealed the makeup of the groups.
World number one and reigning World Champion Japan and 2016 silver medallists Canada will prove two of Australia's toughest opponents as the tournament gets underway on August 22 in Viera, Florida.
Rounding out the six team group is Cuba, Hong Kong and the Dominican Republic.
PRESS RELEASE: WBSC reveals Groups for Women’s Baseball World Cup 2018, Teams learn 1st Round opponents: https://t.co/J1J73p4GiZ #WomensBaseball @USSSA @usssaSpaceCoast pic.twitter.com/cRsD1kqtWg
The top three in each pool progress to the Super Round, and Emeralds Head Coach Simone Wearne believes the team will need to be playing their very best baseball from the first pitch of the tournament.
"In 2016 we weren't switched on from the get-go," Wearne said.
"The group that were there and the coaching staff have learned a lot from that experience and we will be prepared this time."
"There's no easy groups at a World Cup, especially with Canada and Japan involved. The Dominican Republic will be a bit of an unknown too, so we have to be on top of our game straight away."
Stay tuned for a squad announcement that will take on Japan in the upcoming 2018 Women's Baseball Challenge in Bendigo.