The England women’s cricket team is at a crossroads. They’re preparing to face Australia in the quarter final of their World Cup just a few weeks from now. After a challenging year that saw them humiliated in the Ashes series, the team has undergone significant changes in leadership and strategy. Led by new coach, Charlotte Edwards, England are set to prove they’re strong enough to bounce back. They are learning to deal with a new mantra that stresses winning at any cost.
The replacement from former coach Jon Lewis to Edwards is the most significant change in England’s approach. Lewis spoke to the philosophy of “inspire and entertain.” This led to an unsustainable, overly aggressive brand of play that came back to haunt them. The team’s record has been horrifying. Having just endured a humiliating one-off Test loss and winless tour it is obvious we require something completely opposite.
A promising late-season addition from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards has provided an exciting new perspective on the court. She has moved the goalposts toward achieving wins, no matter how the game gets played. Her comments reflect this approach:
“Lottie’s really big on just winning, and working out a way however it looks or however it might come – sometimes winning ugly is something that you need to learn how to do.” – Charlotte Edwards
This new philosophy comes at an important time. England’s much vaunted middle order is in tatters and it is a likely over-reliance on the two superstars Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight. Both players should be pivotal in returning to action Wednesday and Saturday. Head Coach Matthew Mott insists England are hungry to create a more stable and dependable batting order.
Australia has plenty of issues to address in their own camp as they enter the tournament. They have suffered a significant setback with the injury of Alyssa Healy, their leading run-scorer, due to a calf issue. Even if everyone’s on the same page, Healy’s absence will be keenly felt. Georgia Voll would be next in line to replace her, though. In the interim, Tahlia McGrath will captain, and wicketkeeping responsibilities will go to Beth Mooney.
As the reigning champs, Australia will be hungry to continue their stronghold on the World Cup. Their recent clean sweep of the Ashes series against England is the stuff of dreams. With an embarrassing 16-0 thrashing, they have inflicted lasting damage to the reeling Lions. This loss prompted a complete overhaul of England’s leadership structure and strategic review, paving the way for Edwards’ appointment.
It’s going to be an exciting matchup and both teams are getting ready to flex their competitive muscles. The result of this final match is critical – it will determine both teams’ cumulative confidence levels and it’s affect their spots in tournament table. Besides, England will have a big point to prove after their earlier humiliation at the hands of the same opponents, Australia.
As one player noted regarding ODI cricket:
“It’s the way it can go in ODI cricket sometimes – you just have to stay in it, try and be boring, try and control the game as much as you can.” – Anonymous Source
This mentality might be key for England as they will have to do so often in knockout phases against tough opponents in an Australian team.
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