Australia has qualified for the 2022 World Cup Final after handsomely defeating West Indies by 157 runs in the Semi-Finals. Megan Schutt who bowled a magnificent opening of 1 for 8 in 4 overs felt that the 2017 WC semi-final loss to India was a “kick in the butt” which led them to tighten up their screws and dominate the one-day cricket scene over the last 4 years.
Speaking with Annesha Ghosh of ESPNcricinfo after the Semi-Final win, Schutt said, “Look, that team was completely different. Today if I see this team it’s totally a 180 flip. That loss was a “kick in the butt” and made us develop professionalism and accountability which we didn’t have before. It’s been 5 years of great cricket since then and we are happy to be in the finals this time.”
Megan Schutt reflects on the 2017 World Cup semi-final defeat and what it did to the team.#CWC22 #TeamAustralia Source: ESPN Cricinfo pic.twitter.com/TxCu7VSOSY
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Australia will be hoping to have Ellyse Perry back for the finals. Annabel Sutherland who’s filling the position in her absence has performed well. Speaking Perry and Sutherland, Schutt said, “ It will be great for Perry to be back in the side for the final. She would not want to miss one more final. Still, the way the bench has stepped up in her absence is commendable. We have such a good bonding amongst the players that we care for each other. We make sure we rally around Perry cheering her up as she’s unable to play. It’s great to see Sunderland stepping up in her absence. Perry has moreover taken her under her wing and I hope to see both of them go hard when they play together. That will be a beautiful sight.”
When asked about the performance of the side in the 2022 WC so far, Schutt said, “It’s been a dream start. We certainly had a couple of tough games as the tournament has been more competitive. Winning all 8 games in this competitive World Cup speaks volumes about our cricket. I think today’s match against West Indies was a clinical performance. We have been consistent over a long period and we know we deserve to be in this position. We have one more important game left and we will make sure to play our best cricket.”
Australia will be taking defending champions England in the Final of the 2022 Women’s World Cup on April 3rd at Christchurch. Australia will be eyeing their 7th championship whereas England will be looking to stay defending champions for 4 more years.
Credits: Annesha Ghosh / ESPN Cricinfo
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