Robinson brings the barley water

ENGLAND coach Mark Robinson believes that women’s cricket could soon become as popular as its tennis equivalent as his side prepare for the World Cup final at Lord’s tomorrow.

Tournament hosts England will face India in front of a sell-out crowd at the home of cricket as they bid to win the competition for a fourth time.

The 26,500 crowd will be the biggest to have ever attended a women’s World Cup match.

And Robinson, whose side overcame South Africa with just two balls to spare at Bristol on Tuesday to reach the final, yesterday insisted women’s cricket had the potential to be as widely watched as a tennis Grand Slam event.

The Spaniard Garbine Muguruza beat Venus Williams to win the Wimbledon crown in front of a capacity Centre Court crowd last Saturday with a television audience extending into the millions in the UK, and many more around the world.

Asked if women’s cricket could prove as popular as the men’s game, Robinson replied: “Maybe not in the same way, but in the same way that the women’s Wimbledon final is watched and enjoyed equally as the men’s.

“Whether the viewing figures are the same, or if it gets the same following, are different issues, but we could have that standing as a spectator sport. Everything has gone at such a rate of knots with women’s sport full stop, but especially in cricket, and that is going to be highlighted with the crowd that we are going to experience on

Sunday. I can’t believe it will be a sellout. It’s beyond belief really, but it is a testament to a competition which has grown in terms of tension.

“It has been brilliant to be a part of, and also for the talent of the girls which will be on show.”

Awaiting England at Lord’s will be India after they beat Australia in the second semi-final at Old Trafford on Thursday.

India recorded a 36-run victory against the reigning champions after Harmanpreet Kaur hit an inspired 171 not out, which included 20 fours and seven sixes, from just 114 balls.

England lost to India in the opening match of this tournament, but will be confident of gaining revenge after recording seven victories from their last eight one-day international outings.

India, however, are on an equally impressive run with 16 wins from their last 19.

“For sure, we have some momentum going, having done what we have done and the run that we are on and the confidence that goes with that,” said Robinson.

“But you might say India have some momentum, too, having just beaten the current holders of the competition.

“The confidence in our camp is high and the mood is starting to build up.

“We gave the girls a bit of space – we trained today in two groups – and we will come together Saturday afternoon and really start to ramp up the preparations for the big game.

“Sunday will be about who handles the occasion the best, and maybe who has that little bit of luck when you need it.”