The underdogs with two of the world’s finest.
England weren’t favourites going into this World Cup, but when captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was totally match and firing, and if spinner Sophie Ecclestone may exploit turning pitches at her disposal, there was a nagging sense of, “What if?”
Each have come to fruition after their three opening video games, with England sitting high of the desk unbeaten and, although there was a near-miss towards Bangladesh, it has principally been clean crusing.
Sure, the fixtures have been variety to Sciver-Brunt’s aspect, however they’re doing all that’s of their management, which is to easily maintain profitable.
Beat Pakistan on Wednesday, as they need to, and they are going to be in a really promising place to seal a semi-final spot with out having but performed favourites India or Australia.
Concerning the latter of these two groups, England have scars after the 16-0 Ashes thumping at first of the 12 months, however beneath coach Charlotte Edwards they’re starting to heal.
Sciver-Brunt is the quiet, composed captain who lets her cricket do the speaking – exemplified by a glowing 117 towards Sri Lanka in Colombo. Her skill to bowl once more after damage has additionally fully rejuvenated the steadiness of the aspect.
Her fifth World Cup century is a ladies’s cricket file, celebrated by honouring her child boy Theo within the crowd – testomony to a life-changing 12 months that has seen her change into a mum and England captain within the house of some months.
Ecclestone, who took 4-17 within the Sri Lanka win, is the teenage prodigy who quickly grew to become world primary, nonetheless simply 26 years outdated, however already fifth on the listing of all-time wicket-takers within the ladies’s recreation.
A troublesome Ashes for Ecclestone personally led her to consider quitting, however on the most important stage she is shining once more.
“To have the ability to hand the ball to her and bowl 10 overs straight with out going for a lot of runs and choose up 4 wickets, it’s actually particular,” stated Sciver-Brunt.
“From the time she was 16 and got here into the group, we knew we had one thing particular on our palms.
“She has actually grown within the final couple of months as nicely – I suppose we challenged her to actually enhance herself and to actually make a mark on this group, so I’m very happy along with her.”
Although India and Australia pose the most important exams, England’s masterful duo have despatched a transparent message.
