The English Team v The South African Squad – Women’s World Cup Begins
Quiet now! The talking is over, for now at least, and the World Cup journey for England is set to start. On the downside, they start with a tough game against South Africa. Fortunately, they start with a tough game against South Africa. A win in this match could provide immediate impetus for England and validate the measured self-belief of their pre-tournament chatter.
Pre-Competition Confidence
An impressive triumph against the Australians in their last warm-up has heightened their belief, although the personal contributions from Alice Capsey (remaining unbeaten on 88) and Sarah Glenn (taking 5 wickets for 32 runs) caused a small team-selection puzzle for Charlotte Edwards.
Edwards has a winning mentality, meaning there is little chance that England will aim low. But from a distance they find themselves in a somewhat uncommon situation with a well-defined expectation for the event.
Competition Outlook
Not making the last four might come as a small upset, despite the progress made by usual lower-ranked teams. Reaching the final in front of the Aussies or Indians, the two clear favourites to lift the trophy, would represent a major feat. Should England emerge victorious… no, let’s not go there. It’s much too premature for those kinds of predictions.
Today’s match begins at half past ten in the morning BST.
