England's preparations for the Women's T20 World Cup concluded with a five-run victory over India in their final warm-up match at Cardiff, providing a vital confidence boost ahead of their tournament opener against Sri Lanka on Friday evening.
England's batting performance
England posted 171 for six, anchored by a half-century from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. This marked the most time she has spent at the crease since suffering a calf injury six weeks ago. Teammate Amy Jones, who shared a 70-run partnership with Sciver-Brunt, said: "She looks back to her normal self after a little bit of a break. It was great to see her whacking it everywhere."
Jones herself struck a confident half-century from the top of the order and now looks set to open the batting after being preferred in both warm-ups ahead of the out-of-form Sophia Dunkley. England also accelerated at the death, adding 67 runs in 35 balls after an hour's rain delay midway through their innings, as Dani Gibson clobbered an unbeaten 30 off 12 balls.
Bowling and fielding concerns
Sciver-Brunt was absent for the entire Indian innings, leaving vice-captain Charlie Dean to take charge. Sciver-Brunt had admitted after Monday's warm-up against Australia that she felt "rusty in the field," so her inability to cope with 20 overs in the field is a concern ahead of a heavy World Cup workload.
With England conscious of the intense schedule, both Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone were rested on Wednesday, enabling Issy Wong and Tilly Corteen-Coleman to bowl a full allocation of four overs apiece. At the death, England's lack of bowling depth told: Richa Ghosh unleashed her arms and took Wong's penultimate over for 21, before smashing Linsey Smith for a huge six in the 20th over.
Alice Capsey's wicketkeeping debut
Alice Capsey, taking the gloves for the first time in an England shirt, held her nerve to stump Richa and secure the win. She finished her first match as wicketkeeper with zero byes conceded, a catch, and a stumping, having stood up to the bowling of Dani Gibson and clung on to a deflection from Bharti Fulmali. Jones praised Capsey: "She was brilliant. I've previously only caught little glimpses in training, but she looks like a natural."
Team outlook
Jones said: "It got a bit close at the end there but I thought the way the girls closed out the game was brilliant. It feels like everything's been ticked off. We're all really excited for Friday." Bell and Ecclestone are both expected to return against Sri Lanka, meaning England will be at full strength.
India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained positive despite the loss: "These two practice games have given us a lot of confidence. How Richa batted is a big positive for us – she's a match-winner. Hopefully we play fearless cricket in our first game." India open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday.
