England’s Women began their T20 World Cup campaign with a hugely convincing win over Sri Lanka but fast bowler Lauren Bell has called on her side to maintain that same standard next time out against Ireland. The opening win was a big boost for confidence and buzz, but Bell thinks one game is inconsequential in the pursuit of success at this most important tournament if you don’t keep plugging away from match to match.
In their first game, England turned out to be too powerful with bat and ball. The then immediately made them one of the top teams in competition and reinforced expectation that it would be a strong squad. Bell made it clear that one good game is not going to carry the team away from their purpose. All World Cup fixtures provide a different kind of challenge, and past results are no guarantee for future use,” she said.
As for the hosts, England believe the atmosphere in and around this tournament has been “fantastic” – particularly from home crowds. Having passionate fans in attendance has given the players yet another incentive. Bell praised the buzz created by supporters in that opening match and how much it means to represent England on home soil at such a major event. In the wake of England fans singing its name, responding fast and loose to order by coach Steve Borthwick: “I know they can be loud,” he said; “I hope they’ll keep going all night.” The union between players and crowd has forged an atmosphere few teams see in their own backyards – it will allow Brazil nothing but a consummate show next time out.
It is another opportunity for Bell to reinforce her position as one of England’s leading bowlers. In recent years, she carved out a niche for herself as the heart of their pace attack, regularly being asked to bowl matches’ key phases. Be it with the new ball at start of innings or under pressure towards death over, Bell has delivered to expectations. According to her, playing in well defined roles within the side ensures players are able to play with conviction and do their job.
Ireland must surely be written off despite England going into the game as overwhelming favourites, Bell reckons. As international cricket becomes more competitive, even the smaller nations are learning to pull off surprises. Ireland have developed and improved as a team with quite few players that, should they be able to muster their best performance – even if only once in the tournament – could cause an upset. England do not meet Ireland often like they may other opponents, Bell admitted and therefore both preparation and analysis are crucial before the contest.
One of the biggest threats in the Irish lineup is Orla Prendergast, who has already demonstrated her ability to perform against England. Along with captain Gaby Lewis, she forms part of a talented group of players who can quickly change the course of a match. England’s bowlers understand the importance of containing these key batters early and preventing them from building momentum. Bell believes disciplined bowling and sticking to team plans will be crucial if England wants to secure another victory.
Apart from her on-field performances, Bell has become one of the most recognisable faces in women’s cricket. Kranjec’s rising profile speaks to the acceleration of the women’s game and how much it is being noticed on a global basis. Bell believes this bodes well for the future and wishes tournaments such as the Women’s T20 World Cup might encourage more young girls to get into the sport. Having visibility and representation – which she believes are crucial to bringing the next generation of players in.
With England set to play its second group-stage game, the message is clear: keep doing what they did in their opening match. The idea behind Bell’s message is that each and every match needs new energy, total effort, and full focus. England has started strongly but the team knows that a lot of hard work lies ahead to win the World Cup. It will be no stroll in the park for England, who have been established as firm favourites in this tournament – Ireland come here eager to do their best, definitely give them a real challenge but also if they are lucky enough produce one of those performances that can win it. Under no pressure, backed by home support and buoyed from a win England will be hoping to continue collecting points as 3 crucial steps in the right direction.
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