Snehasis Mukherjee in Indore
Team India’s preparation is on course as they look to get back to winning ways with a crucial victory over England in the upcoming clash of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
With seven points from four games, England are yet to lose a match, despite being pushed hard in their last three outings. On October 19 in Indore, the Women in Blue face a big challenge, with several key factors they must handle well to come out on top.
In-form spinners
England’s spinners have been the most successful in this World Cup so far. Their slow bowlers have picked up 24 wickets, while their pacers have managed only six. Indian batters, on the other hand, have struggled against spin throughout the tournament, losing 18 wickets to spinners — and 15 of those to left-arm spin.
For England, both Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith are in excellent form. Ecclestone has nine wickets at an economy rate of 2.30, while Smith has six wickets at 3.00. Sarah Glenn, the leg-spinner, has played just one match so far, but Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey have supported the left-arm duo well.
Fourteen of the wickets taken in Indore so far have gone to spin, including eight to left-arm bowlers. India’s batters will need a much better approach to tackle this challenge.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz
Lauren Bell’s variations
India started well with the bat against Australia in Vizag but could not cross the 350-run mark. Annabel Sutherland’s slower deliveries and variations proved tricky, leading to India’s collapse. The same threat could appear again, this time from Lauren Bell.
Bell is known for her clever changes of pace, particularly her slower balls that dip late in the death overs. On a high-scoring surface like Indore, these variations could stop India from reaching a big total or chasing one down comfortably.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight: The stabilisers
England’s batting has shown signs of vulnerability, but two names have stood tall — Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight.
In recent matches, England have often been in trouble. Against Pakistan, they slipped to 78/7 before Dean and Arlott rescued them. Against Sri Lanka, they were 168/6, but Sciver-Brunt’s brilliant 117 took them to 253/9. Against Bangladesh, while chasing 179, they were 103/6 before Knight’s unbeaten 79 guided them home.
Clearly, both Knight and Sciver-Brunt provide the backbone of England’s middle-order. If India can dismiss them early, they can expose England’s fragile lower-order and gain control of the match.
Also Read: Lone woman out: Focused Harmanpreet turns up for unique practice ahead of England clash