Sophie Molineux has urged her Australian team to use their lack of silverware as a reason to play with freedom at the T20 World Cup.

Co-vice-captain Ash Gardner recently said all the pressure was on defending champions New Zealand. Speaking at the tournament launch in London, Molineux said her team is ready to show their progress when they open against South Africa at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"I think it can free us up if we harness that," Molineux said. "The last couple of World Cups, we've learned a lot and implemented a few things.

"We've really evolved as a team in the last few months. I'm really excited, and the girls are hungry to get out there and put that in place. There's no better arena than a World Cup."

Molineux was named captain after Alyssa Healy retired. She played only as a batter on the Caribbean tour due to a back issue, but careful management has her "ready and firing to go" after taking 2/17 and 1/16 in warm-up games.

As a leader, Molineux wants to be calm and caring.

"As a person and leader, I'd like to be calm. I also care a lot about this team. First and foremost, people in the environment need to feel they can be themselves. That's been a big thing coming in.

"We have all the ingredients. Now we have the stage and opportunity to show that over the next few weeks. I'm really excited for what this group can do."

Australia has played just once at Old Trafford – a drawn Test in 1976. They will rely on domestic cricket and Hundred experience for conditions.

"We have a lot of experience in England. Players like Grace Harris have spent a lot of time here. We'll lean into that and make use of all that knowledge."

Australia plays warm-ups against England and the West Indies in Cardiff before the tournament. Managing the spin depth – Molineux, Gardner, Wareham, and King – will be a challenge.

"It's going to be tough. It's going to be tight for spots. That's all you can ask for as captain and coach – to have tough conversations about who gets picked each game."