England’s World Cup win a watershed moment: Anya
Shrubsole believes England’s dramatic Women’s World Cup triumph will prove to be a “watershed moment” for the sport.
Shrubsole was the star of the show at a sold-out Lord’s on Sunday as she tore through India’s lower order to secure a nine-run win.
The swing bowler took six for 46, including five in 19 balls, to snatch an extraordinary victory from the jaws of what appeared an inevitable defeat.
The worldwide television audience was rumoured to be around 100 million and Shrubsole says it felt like a milestone occasion for the women’s game in the country. “I think it’s a watershed moment for women’s cricket,” said Shrubsole. “The final was a really fitting tribute to the whole tournament, which has been brilliant from start to finish.
“We obviously set out to win, but we also want to inspire women and girls to play cricket and hopefully our win, and the way we have played, has done that.”
Her heroics came just two days after father Ian posted a snap of his then nine-year-old daughter gazing across the Lord’s outfield on Twitter, along with the caption: “What a place! I’d like to play here … for England … in a World Cup final.”
“I remember the day, I remember watching him in that game - I don’t remember saying that but I guess it just shows that dreams can come true,” she said.
England looked out of it with India, chasing a modest target of 229, cruising along at 191 for three but Shrubsole snared Poonam Raut for 86, and the chaos began.
“You’ve always got to believe you can win no matter what the score and no matter what the game situation. We fought until the end and it came off.”