England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt says her side is “massively excited” ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa, a fixture that brings their World Cup campaign full circle. The two teams will meet again at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where England began their journey with a commanding win over the same opposition earlier in the tournament.
“I’m excited for tomorrow (Semifinal). Starting the competition, I didn’t really know what to expect. We’ve been in transition on a journey, and as a captain, that’s the same for me. So yes, I’m massively excited to be in the knockout stages of this World Cup and really excited to take on the game,” Sciver-Brunt said.
When asked whether England expect another comfortable win over South Africa, who they bowled out for 69 at the venue in their opener, Sciver-Brunt was quick to dismiss any complacency.
“Yes, we’re at the same ground we started at and the same opposition, you see that first game was pretty crazy. A brilliant start from our side into this competition, but not what we expected from South Africa. They’ve really grown into this tournament, had some brilliant games and some close chases, so it’ll be an exciting contest.”
Sciver-Brunt remained grounded when asked about a potential final against India or Australia.
“I’m trying to think about tomorrow (semi-final) first. Once we finish that game, hopefully we are through into the final, we’ll be watching that game with great interest. It would be brilliant for the competition if India got to the final, just to feel that atmosphere I think, but obviously it’s going to be a massive game the day after tomorrow.”
England’s ace spinner Sophie Ecclestone remains a key talking point. Sciver-Brunt confirmed that Ecclestone has been managing a shoulder injury but is expected to feature.
“She had a scan after the last game and she has got a minor injury in her shoulder but she’s training, so we’re confident she’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
England’s batting approach, according to Sciver-Brunt, will rely on the same principles that have brought them success over the last several months.
“Not really known what the wicket will be like, there’s not been a game for two and a half weeks, when we first get out there and look at the wicket but once the game starts, certainly assessing the wicket and seeing what we pick up from that. Every batter in our lineup has got the tools to play in all the conditions that we face. As batters it is our own responsibility to work out the best method and trying and continue that for as long as possible.”
The England skipper reserved special praise for Linsey Smith, who shone with the ball in the opening game against South Africa. “She came into that first game and had a huge impact, that’s what you want from your opening bowler. In the past, England have used a lot of seam bowlers to open the bowling but can obviously swing it too and make it difficult for batters to score. It’s a big responsibility to open the bowling, she’s taken that in her stride and has been a great asset for our team.”
England’s journey under new head coach Charlotte Edwards has been marked by transition and steady growth. Nat highlighted, “At the start of the tournament, unsure of where we were compared to other teams in the world. But we always wanted to come to the tournament and try to win, regardless of where we are in our journey.
“To make the knockouts and finish second on the table is a great achievement. Knockout games are a real privilege to be part of and to be in a knockout stage this early in our tenure this early is really special. Hopefully we can instill in everyone that we trust our methods and trust everything we’ve been doing is correct and being able to put it out on the pitch.”
Despite England’s dominant head-to-head record against South Africa, Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of treating the match like any other.
“It would be silly to assume it will go exactly the same, that was a long time ago in the tournament and since then we have played a lot of games. South Africa have some brilliant since then and are a dangerous side, so can’t really assume it’s going to be the same.”
On the pressure of knockouts, Sciver-Brunt stressed calmness and clarity.
“Upto the individual how they prepare, they get into the zone they want to be into to play the game. But from the teams’ perspective, the message is they’ll be the same they’ve been throughout the tournament. We want to try and bowl in the same areas, hit the same targets… The hardest thing in big games is treating it like any other because of a knockout nature, but hopefully everyone can feel confident in their skills, abilities and everything we’ve done so far in this competition.”
She also hailed the return and form of Heather Knight, who has been pivotal at the top order after recovering from injury. “It’s like she was never injured, never away. She’s been a huge player for England, not anchoring the innings, but certainly being that experienced player in the top-order, read the conditions appropriately, and build some big innings, she has done that.
“As a side we are hugely pleased, obviously very proud of the journey she has been on, she didn’t know if she is going to be ready for this World Cup when she got injured, and for her to be here in this tournament and have performed the way she has is really special, really pleased and proud for her.”
England take on South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final on Thursday at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, a venue where their campaign began, and perhaps, where their final push for glory will take shape.
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