And just like that, the oldest battle in cricket gets a new chapter. After two dominant semi-final performances, England and Australia will renew cricket’s oldest rivalry and duke it out with cricket bat in hand for the T20 World Cup. Lord’s will host a fervoured crowd, anticipating (or maybe more hoping) for the same joyous scenes at the 2017 Cricket World Cup.
Then it was India; now the toughest of opponents await. While this is an Australian team that have failed to win silverware in recent tournaments, they have regenerated and rebuilt and look a formidable force, particularly in the batting department. The likes of Beth Mooney, Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland ensure that if one monster doesn’t get you, another likely will.
Sutherland has been the rising force in world cricket in recent years, with Test and ODI centuries and all-round performances in the shortest format that make her the game’s MVP. England will feel that if she comes the wicket they’ve done well – then they must deal with her.
And while Australia have risen to their previous peak, England are finally realising their potential after a number of tournaments laced with disappointment. Previously it has been the fielding that has come under most scrutiny; with that exponentially improved under the guidance of head coach Charlotte Edwards and fielding coach Nick Wilton (formally Gray-Nicolls Brand Manager!), they have the foundations to win the big moments.
The success story of their world cup has been the collective success of the batting line-up. With top order runs from Danni Wyatt Hodge, Sophia Dunkley’s valuable contributions in the absence of skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, and the experienced Heather Knight, there hasn’t appeared to be a weak link in the chain. Couple with a varied bowling attack with proven world class performers, this is now an England team that means business top to bottom.
In T20 cricket, games are decided in micro moments, in short passages of play, in one monster over. Both teams have players that can turn this final around in minutes; which nation will pick their moment on the day? We can’t wait to find out.
To celebrate the T20 World Cup we’re offering 20% off the GEM range. Use the code GEMWORLDCUP20 to save!
