In an agonisingly close semi, England proved it is possible to win without scoring a stackful of runs. But few coaches would recommend that as a sound principle for success.
So the final between the two strongest squads will come down to effective run-scoring.
Shweta Sehwarat
India’s trump card is the majestic Shweta Sehwarat, who already looks like a seasoned test player. If England can somehow wheedle her out – a Mankad, a leg-side stumping? – then a door opens. Shafali Verma is the more familiar figure at the crease, but she hasn’t scored big runs yet; the final would be the perfect place to do so.
England’s batting is deep, but their vulnerability was shown this weekend.
India’s bowling is based almost exclusively on spin. On a pitch that must inevitably be wearing – offering either variable bounce or a lot of turn, possibly both – their bowlers may be in clover.
England have the advantage of variety in their bowling options: pace, lateral movement, three sorts of spin and two left-armers. So however the pitch decides to play, they should have every corner covered.
India won their semi at a canter. England could hardly believe they had snatched victory out of the fire. Who will profit from those two contrasting experiences? England may be full of the joys of spring. – believing anything is possible – but they might not survive a second emotional mangling.
After that win over Australia England have yet to lose. India were given a wake-up call when they lost decisively to the same Aussies. Is that long enough ago for them to have regained their equilibrium? Time will tell.
Both are basically confident sides who trust each other to perform under pressure. To my mind, England did show nerves in their semi-final innings; they must hope that that has been a valuable lesson for them. They need to return to the confident approach they had shown previously.
The Indians were told on Saturday who is in the team. We don’t how the England management go about their selection, but it’s hard to imagine many (any?) changes being made.
One thing’s for sure: neither side has faced such quality opposition till now.
Captaincy
Shafali admits she’s still learning about leading her team. She’s a relative beginner, but cricketers go on learning all their careers.
Grace Scrivens has a great advantage there; she has been leading teams for a decade, and she’s still only 19.
Calmness under pressure is an enviable virtue.
The Pitch
By my reckoning this will be the fifteenth match played at the JB Marks Oval across the tournament. That is a challenge for any curator.
It’s equally a challenge for batters.
I have mentioned before the care they need to take. On a true pitch with even bounce they can take risks with confidence, knowing where and when the ball will arrive. Not so under these conditions: stepping away to slap the ball through mid-wicket or swinging hopefully towards long-leg will be fraught with danger. They will need to stay in line and watch the bounce like the proverbial hawk.
We must just hope that no batter is undone by a ball passing under the bat. Passing the outside or inside of the bat will be fine – well done, the bowler. If anyone manages to get the ball passing above the bat, that will be an achievement worthy of a trophy.
May the better team win, not the luckier.
Match Details:
India v England
JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Sunday 29 January
13.45 (local time); 11.45 (GMT)
Lead photo shows Ryana MacDonald-Gay of England
