England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt says leading her country at a home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is a special opportunity as the hosts prepare to begin their campaign with hopes of adding another global title to their history.
England enters the tournament among the favourites, looking to win the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time since 2009. The hosts have built strong momentum in recent months, winning T20 series against both New Zealand and India by 2-1 margins despite being without Sciver-Brunt, who was sidelined by injury. Her return ahead of the World Cup has provided an additional boost to a side already showing encouraging form.
Writing in her ICC column, Sciver-Brunt reflected on how rare the opportunity is to play a World Cup at home and the excitement surrounding the tournament. “I didn’t think I’d get to play one World Cup at home, let alone two. It is so exciting, and I just think this summer will be such a brilliant moment for women’s sport in England, and I am expecting the cricket to be of a high standard as well,” Sciver-Brunt wrote.
The England skipper was a key member of the side that lifted the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2017, a campaign that remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the women’s game in the country. Looking back on that triumph, she said patience and resilience were crucial throughout the tournament. “We were in a marathon not a sprint, and we knew the whole tournament would be a battle in terms of close games, and that there would be twists and turns in the matches we played, so we had to really be focussed right until the end,” she said.
England will hope to draw on those lessons this summer as they face a highly competitive field that includes Australia, India, South Africa and defending champions New Zealand. Playing at home could provide an important advantage, although Sciver-Brunt is keen not to place too much emphasis on England’s impressive record in home World Cups.
The captain acknowledged that several nations have benefited from hosting major tournaments and hopes England can do the same with the backing of home crowds. “We’ve seen so many teams win their home World Cups, including us, so I would hope we can use it to our advantage as we try and have the whole country behind us, while not thinking about the record too much,” she said.
England’s squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talent. Teenage spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman recently made her debut, while players such as Linsey Smith and Dani Gibson have returned to the national setup after overcoming setbacks earlier in their careers.
Sciver-Brunt highlighted the determination within the squad and believes England have the right mix of players to challenge for the trophy. “There has been a lot of change in the last year or so and we know where we want to get to as a group and we know that we have got the people to do it, the players who can be a big part of a World Cup, compete hard and get to the final,” she said.
England’s preparations have not been perfect, with Australia defeating them in a recent warm-up match, but confidence remains high within the camp. The hosts know expectations will be significant, yet they also know they possess the experience and talent required to compete with the world’s best sides. With Sciver-Brunt back fit and England carrying momentum from recent series victories, the hosts will begin their World Cup campaign believing they have a genuine chance of adding another memorable chapter to their history on home soil.
