KNIGHT FIRED UP FOR REVENGE MISSION

HEATHER KNIGHT wants England women to ‘fight fire with fire’ when they travel to Australia next month hoping to avenge their crushing Ashes defeat two years ago. The England captain aims to adopt a brave approach against the best team in women’s cricket after naming a 17-strong squad that includes newcomers Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean. ‘We’re going to have to be bold and stand up to the Australians,’ said Knight. ‘Any successful team against Australia have gone at them. We have to fight fire with fire. We have to make sure we punch first and take the game to them.’ England lost 12-4 in the women’s multi-format Ashes in 2019 but Knight is banking on an experienced squad, that includes seven members of the side who won the 2017 World Cup, to turn the tables this time. ‘The way we didn’t perform in the last Ashes has given us real motivation to do better,’ said Knight. The surge in Covid cases means England will take every precaution to ensure they can fly to Australia on January 7 for an Ashes series that begins with a one-off Test on January 27. ‘The girls are very responsible,’ added Knight. ‘We know what the consequences might be if we catch the virus.’