Guwahati holds no fear as England ready for South Africa
England return to a familiar venue for their knockout semi-final against the Proteas.
England opener Amy Jones believes her side are well placed to reach the final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.
The four-time Women's World Cup champions completed their league stage campaign with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over New Zealand on Sunday and now head to Guwahati for a knockout semi-final against the Proteas.
England back to winning ways before semis | Match Highlights | CWC25
A dominant win for England against New Zealand in the lead-up to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals.
It was at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati where England thrashed South Africa by 10 wickets at the start of the tournament and the side also picked up a four-wicket triumph over Bangladesh at the same venue four days later.
While Jones knows South Africa will be a more difficult prospect than what they faced the first time around, the in-form opener thinks the conditions at the ground will suit her side.
"We sort of know how that ground plays and I think it suits our bowlers really well," Jones said after she was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 86* in the win over the White Ferns in Vizag.
"Obviously we've got some of the best spinners and that wicket was really conducive to that.
"I'm excited to keep to our spinners on that wicket and I think we've got a lot of confidence on the back of that game and the tournament as a whole.
"I think there's been great learnings throughout and we are just really excited for the occasion in Guwahati. We can't wait."
Jones looks ahead to semi-finals | Post-Match Press Conference | CWC25
England keeper-batter Amy Jones believes her side is well placed heading into the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
England will be sweating on the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone for the knockout encounter, with the left-armer hurting her shoulder during the match with the Kiwis and only bowling four deliveries.
Ecclestone leaves field for more treatment after claiming wicket | CWC25
England spinner Sophie Ecclestone picked up the wicket of Brooke Halliday then had to leave the field for more treatment to her shoulder at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
Jones said Ecclestone will be monitored by medical staff prior to the semi-final on Wednesday and that she remains hopeful the No.1 ranked ODI spinner in the world will be fit to tackles the Proteas.
"I don't know exactly (the extent), but I think it was precautionary and I think she will be OK," Jones said.
"Sophie plays a huge role within the team. Obviously, she's our most experienced spinner and, yeah, one of the best in the world, so she plays a huge role."
