England centurion Wyatt hails ‘GOAT’ Ecclestone
DANNI Wyatt believes that her fellow match-winner Sophie Ecclestone could succeed in men’s cricket after the latter’s sixwicket haul helped power England into the Women’s World Cup final with a dominant 137-run victory over South Africa.
Wyatt struck a maiden World Cup century in England’s 293 for eight before Ecclestone recorded figures of six for 26 from eight overs, her maiden international five-for, as the Proteas were bowled out for 156.
After opening the tournament with three consecutive losses, a fifth straight victory helped Heather Knight’s side set up a showpiece with old foes Australia.
Wyatt believes that Ecclestone will add to her tally of five-fors, with the number one one-day international bowler just 22 years old.
“Soph bowled exceptionally well again today, she’s an absolute GOAT (Greatest Of All-Time) and I’m so chuffed for her,” the England opener said afterwards.
“That’s going to be the first of many five-fors, she was absolutely unplayable today, especially with that pace and dip, a bit of turn as well that she was getting.
“I actually said to Nat (Sciver) on the pitch how she would go in men’s international cricket, I think she’s bowling exceptionally well at the minute and she’s not fun to face in the nets that’s for sure.”
Wyatt was dropped numerous times on her way to 129 from 125 deliveries, including a memorable 116-run fifth-wicket stand alongside Sophie Dunkley, who made 60.
Wyatt, who missed out on playing in England’s 2017 World Cup final victory, was pleased with her contribution in the semi.
“Obviously I’m really chuffed with how it went today, I woke up this morning and really wanted to contribute to a win and that’s what happened,” Wyatt said.
“I got dropped a few times, but that’s cricket and you’ve got to cash in on days like today, so really happy with how it went.”
South Africa had only lost once in the tournament before the semifinal – to favourites Australia – and got the better of a close game against England when they faced each other in the group stages.
Proteas captain Sune Luus was left to rue fielding mistakes, including the opportunities to dismiss Wyatt on 22 and 36 before she went on to make a century.
“I think we always pride ourselves on our fielding and to not take those chances tonight, I think as a fielding unit we are very disappointed in that,” Luus said.
“But at the end of the day, I still think 290 was a good score to chase. We just didn’t apply ourselves with the bat.
“It’s been a good campaign for us, so I don’t think we’re going to define ourselves by the game tonight.”
England’s final against Australia in New Zealand is scheduled to begin at 2am UK time on Sunday at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran has his sights set on a return to the England side in time for the Test series against New Zealand in June.
The 23-year-old has not played since October, with a back injury suffered during last year’s Indian Premier League ruling him out of the T20 World Cup and the Ashes.
“Of course it’s (the back injury) a concern, but I’ve had time away from all the matches,” Curran said. “I’ve really enjoyed just working on my technique, which I haven’t done for a long time.”