A concerted effort from new Australian captain Alyssa Healy to have players engaging in more off-field activities has been key to continuing the success enjoyed under Meg Lanning, according to all-round star Annabel Sutherland.

Australia is unbeaten so far at the T20 World Cup ahead of a third clash against Pakistan in Dubai early on Saturday morning amid a nine-game winning streak under Healy, who officially replaced legendary Lanning following her shock retirement from international cricket just under 12 months ago.

Before the World Cup began, Healy declared she was “not Meg” and would lead the team her way, albeit with significant lessons learnt from the former skipper who guided Australia to five world titles – four T20 World Cups and an ODI World Cup – the most of any Australian captain, male or female.

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One of Lanning’s reasons for retiring, aged just 31, was the grind of touring and leading as women’s cricket continued to grow.

Sutherland, a potential future national captain herself, said work in the “off-field space” from Healy was a standout element of the new era.

“I can’t really compare them. Two very different leaders, but both got incredible strengths,” Sutherland said ahead of the match when asked about the two captains, having played under both.

“Playing under Meg a lot during my first few years, I’ve learned a lot from her, and then the way that Midge (Healy) has taken over the lead and moving the team forward, I think doing a lot in the off-field space.

“We’re spending a lot of time on tour and enjoying each other’s company. I think that then plays out on field too.”

Healy joked she would have rather been at the water park with her teammates when required for the pre-tournament captains’ press conference, one of the number of things the Australians have done to cope with the heat in the United Arab Emirates.

After two games in Sharjah, they move to Dubai to play Pakistan, a match that could secure top spot in their group with a win.

Sutherland said adapting was going to determine who wins the tournament.

“It’s just another opportunity to go out there in a World Cup, new conditions, adapt, and a new line-up as well,” she said.

“We’re going to have to plan and think about as an individual how you’re going to take on their line-up. I think the girls did some great work at training today.

“It seems like the Pakistan spin potentially could pose a bit of a threat, but it feels like we’ve had a good opportunity to face a lot of that in the last few weeks, particularly at training, so I’m sure the girls will be ready.”