‘Hopefully we can put on a show’: Sophie Ecclestone says that England will have ‘no fear’ ahead of the Women’s World Cup final against Australia as they aim to defend their title
Sophie Ecclestone believes England are yet to play their best cricket ahead of the Women’s World Cup final against Australia on Sunday.
The spin bowler claimed a maiden ODI five-wicket haul as England powered into the final with a 137-run victory over South Africa.
Ecclestone finished with figures of six for 36 as the Proteas were bowled for 156, in a match where Danni Wyatt top-scored with a maiden World Cup century in England’s 293 for eight.
Sophie Ecclestone claimed a maiden ODI five-wicket haul in England’s win over South Africa
England opened the tournament with three consecutive losses, but a fifth straight victory has seen Heather Knight’s side set up a final with Australia, and Ecclestone believes England have not been at their best so far.
‘I think when we lost three from three, there were a few tears in the changing room after the game,’ the 22-year-old spinner said.
‘I think everyone was very disappointed with how we’d gone, but I think the turning point was having a few meetings to just say that we had nothing to lose now, so just put what we do in training out into a game and go out with no fear.’
Danni Wyatt recorded a stunning 129 runs as England won by 137 against South Africa
Reigning champions England will face Australia in the final in Christchurch on Sunday
England did not win a single game in the Ashes this winter and also lost to Australia in their World Cup opening game.
However, Ecclestone urged her side to put on a show in the final on Sunday in Wellington.
‘Obviously it’s a great feeling getting through to the World Cup final. It’s something we’ve been working towards after we lost three games at the start so it’s great to get to the final and hopefully we can put on a show on Sunday,’ she said.
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