Australian quick Megan Schutt says Abu Dhabi conditions won’t blunt Australia’s T20 World Cup pace attack

Megan Schutt has allayed any fears the spin-friendly conditions in Abu Dhabi would take the teeth out of Australia’s pace attack after claiming 3-12 in the side’s tournament opener.

The veteran quick was named the player of the match as Australia survived a few batting wobbles to take down Sri Lanka by six wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

And while spin accounted for 12 of the 20 overs the defending champions bowled, the three tweakers only claimed one wicket more than Schutt in the stifling mid-afternoon conditions.

Rather than utilise her pace, Schutt made the most of her crafty change-ups as Sri Lanka were restricted to a meagre 7-93, a tactic she says will only become more effective as the pitches wear.

“I use my change-ups back home in Australia as well; it’s just using them on a different length here,” she said post-match.

“Towards the back end or in the final over, I just look to pitch it nice and full and get them playing me down the ground, which is what I’d probably do in the Big Bash back home as well.

“Obviously, you get punished a bit more in Australian conditions sometimes with the faster outfield, but big boundaries and a slow outfield bring my change-ups more into play.

“It will be interesting to see how teams play me going forward.”

Australia now turn their attention to a familiar foe for their second clash, taking on New Zealand on Tuesday night.

But despite recording a convincing win during the warm-up series in Australia, the reigning champions will need to be weary after a Sophie Devine-led Kiwis upset powerhouses India to get their tournament off to the perfect start.

Schutt said the tricky wickets will be a great equaliser this tournament.

“I think the slowness of these pitches brings every single team into this tournament,” she said.

“It actually evens it out really nicely, so I think it will be a close one.”