Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Let’s put on a show – Sophie
SOPHIE Ecclestone says England are yet to play their best cricket ahead of the Women’s World Cup final against Australia, which begins in the early hours of tomorrow UK time.
The spin bowler claimed a maiden international five-for as England powered into the final with a 137-run victory over South Africa.
Ecclestone finished with figures of six for 36 as the Proteas were bowled for 156, in a match where Danni Wyatt top-scored with a maiden World Cup century in England’s 293 for eight.
England opened the global tournament with three losses in a row, but a fifth straight victory has seen Heather Knight’s side set up a final with old rivals Australia, and Ecclestone believes England have not been at their best in the tournament so far.
“I think when we lost three from three, there were a few tears in the changing room after the game,” the 22-yearold spinner said.
“I think everyone was very disappointed with how we’d gone, but I think the turning point was having a few meetings to just say that we had nothing to lose now, so just put what we do in training out into a game and go out with no fear.”
England did not win a single game in the Ashes this winter and lost to Australia in their opening game here.
However, Ecclestone urged her side to put on a show in the final in Wellington.
She added: “Obviously it’s a great feeling getting through to the World Cup final. It’s something we’ve been working towards after we lost three games at the start, so it’s great to get to the final and hopefully we can put on a show.”
England and Australia are the most successful teams in the history of the Women’s World Cup – the Aussies have taken the title six times to England’s four. The Ashes rivals have met in two finals – Australia winning on both occasions – the last time being 34 years ago.