Ladies dancing, Lord’s a-leaping
Star player Taylor crowns dream comeback at Lord’s … but MCC members are criticised for empty seats
Katherine Brunt leads the celebrations with a selfie following England’s dramatic nine-run victory over India in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s yesterday
A YEAR ago Sarah Taylor’s international cricketing career hung in the balance. The England women’s wicket keeper was battling anxiety and panic attacks that were so severe she took an indefinite break from the game.
Yet yesterday the 28-year-old completed the most triumphant comeback imaginable when she played a critical part in securing victory for England’s women in the World Cup final at Lord’s.
Taylor, who only rejoined the squad in April, hit a crucial 45 runs, as the England team went on to beat India by nine runs. “Probably there couldn’t have been a better comeback,” she said after England were crowned world champions. “It’s been a rollercoaster year for me, but to be part of this team is simply incredible. For me, it was a case of being healthy and see how I go. I was just lucky to be here for the World Cup.”
England lifted the World Cup for the fourth time after it seemed India had been cruising to victory, chasing a modest 229 to win. But a late collapse enabled England to snatch victory on home soil, sparked by five wickets in 19 balls from Anya Shrubsole, who said: “I’m a little bit lost for words, if I’m honest.”
Geoffrey Boycott led the tributes and wasted no time drawing comparisons with the men’s lacklus-
‘Great atmosphere and packed Lord’s for England v India final. But where are the MCC members?’
tre efforts against South Africa last week. Boycott tweeted: “England Ladies wonderful match! Fantastic win! You are playing better than the men.”
The match is expected to be a milestone for the women’s game. Stands at the home of cricket were sold out, while the worldwide television audience was expected to top 100 million.
Derek Brewer, the MCC’S chief executive, said that more than half the crowd was female, with about 5,000 children in the ground.
However, there were banks of empty seats in the pavilion, leading to accusations that MCC members could have done more to support the women’s game. Mike Gapes, the Labour MP, said on Twitter: “Great atmosphere and packed Lords [sic] for England v India final. But where are the MCC members?” Paul Manski, an MCC member, said it “sends out wrong message about MCC. We should all support women’s cricket”.