Lanning: England are World Cup favourites

Australia skipper Meg Lanning has looked to ease the burden of World Cup favouritism from her side to beaten Ashes rivals England.

The 50-over Women's Cricket World Cup kicks off next Friday in New Zealand, when the hosts face West Indies in Mount Maunganui.

Australia resume hostilities with arch rivals England a day later in Hamilton in a firecracker start to the tournament.

England are the reigning champions and the only team to beat Australia in round-robin play at the last World Cup, back in 2017.

For that reason, Lanning thinks the mantle of favouritism should sit on English shoulders.

"England are the the reigning champions. They hold the cup, so we're all chasing them," she said.

The Australian squad have returned to training in Christchurch this week after completing a seven-day stint in quarantine and then a spell of leisure time ahead of the five-week tournament.

Given the side had just one night to celebrate the end of their successful home Ashes campaign before flying to New Zealand, Lanning says the South Island mini-break will be pivotal.

"Everybody did it differently ... I generally like to be out and about, walking and looking at different things. I did play a few rounds of golf," she said.

"There's some amazing scenery here in New Zealand so we're very lucky to be able to see that.

"In the long run, heading into the tournament where it's really busy, having a few days to relax and take your mind off cricket will be very important."

Australia now have seven days to prepare for a rematch with the English, including two warm-up matches against the West Indies on Sunday and New Zealand on Tuesday.

On form, they should account for England and extract their piece of revenge for the 2017 loss.

Australia bowled