CLASH OF THE TITANS – Australia or England to lose unbeaten run?

Both England and Australia have secured their places in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup. Neither have lost at the tournament so far. Who will come out on top in their league-stage clash? Clare McEwen takes a look at the teams.

With both teams safely through to the semi-finals, could we expect a low pressure game of gentle cricket? Absolutely not! This is Australia against England and there are always scores to settle.

Current form

Although neither team has lost yet at the World Cup, England surely would have if rain hadn’t saved them against Pakistan. And it could have gone either way against India. Australia, on the other hand, haven’t really broken a sweat, except maybe in their run chase against India. With two totals over 300, there’s no doubt they’re in decent touch, although they will be without captain and batting menace, Alyssa Healy, who’s picked up a minor calf strain.

England have not always been convincing with their batting displays so far but Heather Knight’s 109 against India and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 117 against Sri Lanka are proof they have big scores in them. Meanwhile, the bowlers in particular are in excellent form, ripping through attacks on multiple occasions.

Players to watch

England won’t be too sad that they won’t be facing Alyssa Healy this time round as she’s been in wonderful form but that won’t make it any easier. Beth Mooney has made 109 and Ashleigh Gardner 115. Phoebe Litchfield has had a few good knocks at number two and there have been fifties, or thereabouts, dotted throughout the order – Alana King batting at 10 scored 51 against Pakistan. Without the injured Healy, Mooney is probably their biggest batting threat. With the ball, Annabel Sutherland has been the most deadly, with Sophie Molineux posting decent figures too.

England have had some decent individual batting displays but haven’t managed to get them all firing together. Amy Jones, Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt have all had decent knocks, and further down the order, Charlie Dean has consistently put some runs on the board. The bowling attack has been much more consistent with contributions from everyone. It’s Sophie Ecclestone whose star is shining the brightest this tournament, though.

Prediction

As much as it pains me to say, Australia are favourites for this one. They’ve shown no weakness so far whereas England have, on occasion. But it doesn’t get much more competitive than an Australia v England cricket match, so you never can tell. Whatever happens, someone’s World Cup winning streak comes to an end tomorrow.

Where to watch

Wednesday 22nd October
In-person:
Holkar Stadium, Indore at 3pm local time

TV:
UK – Sky Sports 10.30am local time
India – Star Sports Network at 3pm local time
Sri Lanka – Maharaja TV at 3pm local time
Pakistan – PTV and Ten Sports at 2.30pm local time
Bangladesh – Nagorik TV and T Sports at 3.30pm local time
South Africa – SuperSport at 11.30am local time
Australia – Amazon Prime Video, check local times
New Zealand – Sky TV NZ, check local times


Check out our guide to the Women’s Cricket World Cup here: https://thenewwomenssportmagazine.com//when-and-where-to-watch-the-cricket-world-cup