The cricketers of England enjoyed an unexpected visit to Marks and Spencer on the eve of their world cup opener in Guwahati, but this is not a normal game for a team with much to prove.
The team of Charlotte Edwards starts their campaign on Friday against a dangerous but inconsistent South Africa in the Barsapara Stadium, deep in the Assam region in Northeast India.
It is a first overseas assignment for the head coach and her captain Nat Sciver brunt, who met in April to put a struggling team back on the race, but one that started with a reassuringly famous outing.
“The girls have found a shopping mall with an M&S in, so there are a few comfort for this at home,” said Sciver-Brunt with a smile on the eve of her biggest test so far as a skipper.
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Insecurity
England has seen their status as a serious tournament passenger decreasing since they won this trophy in home in 2017, which led to a leadership overhaul and the chance to run a new page this month.
But there are countless challenges if that is a success. Team selection, batting-tempo and bowling strategy must all be right if England has to be a success on subcontinental pitches, while the tail end of the monsoon season has also brought heavy showers and an element of uncertainty.
“The strange training session (affected) will not turn off us, but we will have to keep an eye on this competition. It’s something to pay attention,” said Sciver-Brunt.
“Staying together is a very important thing here. We know that it will be really difficult, the circumstances with which we are confronted will sometimes be difficult and our team must be ready to adapt because we have the skills and skills for all conditions.”
(Mike Egerton/PA)
To adjust
She added: “In the end we just have to adapt to what there is and the wickets we go on the floor.
“I did not arrive clearly here in India (on the first XI), but that was the point to come to Abu Dhabi early, to look at a few different combinations.
“There have been a number of great competition in the field of performance, and that is all that you can ask for, making it difficult to make decisions.
“So it has become a little clearer in recent days and I am really enthusiastic.”
(John Walton/PA)
Puzzle
A piece of the puzzle that fell into place is the return from Sciver Brunt to Bowling Fitness after playing through the English summer as a specialist batter.
This offers space for an extra option in the middle order instead of a third frontline -soeman, even if she intends to relieve herself back with the ball.
“At the moment it is probably not the full 10 overs,” she said. “Further down the competition that could be an option, but probably not at the moment.”
The South African threat is largely from their large openers Laura Wolvhardt and Tamzin-Britten, who have the potential to cause serious damage.
That means a big job for Lauren Bell as the leader of the English attack and most likely exponent of an early movement.
“They have had a number of huge opening partners. We know that we will be in a fight on that field,” added sciver brunt.
“But we have a very talented opening bowler that can hopefully rip through that top order.”
Read more: Charlotte Edwards ‘could not be happier’ with the preparations for the World Cup of England
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