Pakistan provide template to inspire Cup hosts England
ENGLAND captain Heather Knight is looking to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy-winning underdogs for inspiration as the hosts attempt to reboot their Women’s World Cup campaign.
Knight’s side came up 35 runs short in their tournament opener against India on Saturday, a surprise defeat for a side who might reasonably expect to reach the Lord’s final on home turf.
Pakistan are next up at Grace Road today, having lost their own curtain-raiser against South Africa, and their men’s side have already shown this summer how to put a bad start to bed.
Sarfraz Ahmed’s team were routed by India in their first Champions Trophy outing and, after dire predictions all-round, went on to win the competition.
“Obviously it wasn’t the way we wanted to start (against India), but Pakistan started in a similar way in the Champions Trophy and they did pretty well,” said Knight. “The India defeat won’t change the way we approach the game (today). It keeps us honest, but it’s about how we react now.
“The mood in the squad isn’t too bad because we fought really hard to get back in the game against India. In general we are quite an emotional team, but it’s important that we keep our heads up.”
Vice-captain Anya Shrubsole, meanwhile, says several of the squad have taken a self-imposed social media break during the World Cup.
“Some people have decided they don’t want to be on social media and are just trying to remove as many distractions as possible,” shes aid.
“Twitter’s obviously a brilliant tool, but can be a distraction.” SOUTH AFRICA have named uncapped trio Heino Kuhn, Aiden Markram and Andile Phehlukwayo in their squad for the four-match Test series against England.
Fast bowler Dale Steyn has not recovered from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him since the end of 2016 and AB de Villiers is also absent as he continues to take a break from Test cricket.
Kuhn, who has played a handful of T20 internationals, replaces Durham opener Stephen Cook in the squad having made centuries for South Africa A against Hampshire and England Lions recently.
Phehlukwayo, a 21-year-old seamer, impressed during the Proteas’ 2-1 T20 International series defeat against England and also featured in the one-day series and recent Champions Trophy.
Markram, who also impressed for South Africa A during their tour of England, will provide batting cover for captain Faf du Plessis, who could miss the first Test at Lord’s as his wife is due to give birth in early July.
All-rounder Wayne Parnell and spinner Dane Piedt have both been dropped from the Test squad that faced New Zealand, with the latter losing out to Keshav Maharaj for the slow bowling spot.
Dean Elgar will captain the side in a warm-up match against England Lions and will stand in for Du Plessis in the first Test if required.