OUT TO TOP WORLD
AUSTRALIA may be the number one nation in women’s cricket, but they will have their work cut out for them at the World Cup, especially against host nation England.
The Aussies take on West Indies tonight in their first match of the tournament and though there’s been a vast improvement in many nations, it’s England who shape as their biggest threat, despite their game one loss to India.
The two times England have hosted previously they have won, but they have extra motivation with English female cricket pioneer Rachael Heyhoe Flint passing away in January this year.
Heyhoe Flint was the creator of the first women’s World Cup in 1973, which was held two years before men had a tournament and she was the first woman on the MCC Committee, among many achievements and firsts for women and in cricket.
NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder coach Joanne Broadbent, who played in two World Cups for Australia, said they shape as the biggest challenge for our women.
“It’s going to be a tough competition. I think New Zealand on their day, India, West Indies, they won it last year and England having it at home,” Broadbent said.
“And Rachael Heyhoe Flint passing away, there’s been a little bit of history for them to play for which can sometimes be a motivation.
“She’s a legend of the game for them and for women’s cricket.”
England captain Heather Knight said there was some added pressure on her side with it being at home and they were trying to use that to their advantage.
“As a team we have really tried to embrace that it is a home World Cup and we know that brings added pressure but we are in a good place to deal with that,” Knight said.
“There is bound to be pressure. It’s going to be one of the most visible World Cups.
“Pressure comes with that, but as a team we try to embrace that.”
Broadbent is confident Australia have the personnel to get the job done and the addition of younger players like Belinda Vakrewa, Amanda- Jade Wellington and Ash Gardner would help fire up some of the older players.
“There’s enough experience and I think it will come down to the performance on the day,” she said.
“I look at someone like Belinda who three years ago wasn’t even playing for the Breakers and she could potentially step out on the field for Australia.
“With her and Wellington and even Rachel Haynes who’s coming back into the team, is that enthusiasm of not being there but being where you want to be. It can lift the players.”
Australia will face England on Sunday, July 9 at 7.30pm ( AEST).