Womens ODI World Cup | England has some extent to show because it faces South Africa

Only Australia has gained extra girls’s cricket World Cups than England. In 2017, England had emerged because the champion at house. In the final ODI World Cup, it had contested the ultimate (no prize for guessing in opposition to whom).

Yet, the Englishwomen aren’t the second favorite to win this World Cup. The Indians are.

While India has been making regular progress, England has had a largely forgettable 12 months thus far, together with a whitewash in Australia. But, if the warm-up matches are something to go by, England is in type, having gained all 4 of them, in opposition to Australia, India and New Zealand.

This England facet comprises among the recreation’s largest names and is coached by probably the most revered coaches round: Charlotte Edwards had guided Mumbai Indians to the title in two out of the three editions of the WPL.

She can be eager to make sure England opens its marketing campaign on the proper notice in opposition to South Africa on the Barsapara Cricket Stadium right here on Friday.

Edwards should be hoping the likes of Nat Sciver-Brunt — the captain who scored 120 earlier than retiring out in opposition to India within the warm-up match — Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell discover their contact from the earliest of days.

Edwards might lean on her expertise in India as a participant and MI coach. So might among the English gamers who’ve taken half within the WPL.

South Africa’s two major gamers have additionally had the WPL expertise. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt — whose cowl drives ought to be one of many highlights of this World Cup — and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp are two stalwarts the Proteas may very well be banking on.

There is extra expertise within the type of Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka.

And bear in mind, South Africa was within the semifinals of the final two ODI and the T20I World Cups.