Sciver-Brunt lays out blueprint for success ahead of CWC25 clash
England and South Africa finalise preparations ahead of their compelling World Cup clash in Guwahati.
It's a first look at England and South Africa at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in what looms as a crucial clash between two key contenders.
It'll be the second contest of the tournament at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, after India beat Sri Lanka in the World Cup opener at the same venue, giving both the English and Proteas sides some strategic ideas ahead of their encounter.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt offered up some thoughts while speaking to media pre-game, indicating aggressive intentions.
"I thought the wicket looked quite good (in the tournament opener)," Sciver-Brunt said.
"It looked like in the Powerplay; it was fairly easy to score. Then we got a little bit more difficult through the middle, especially when the spinners came on. So typically, I suppose that's a blueprint that we work with, especially when we're bowling, making sure the spinners in the middle are doing a really good job for us and making it really hard for people to get away.
England and South Africa go head to head | Will to Win Preview Show | CWC25
England and South Africa are two powerhouses on a collision course in Guwahati at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
"I think that has been a really good strength of ours for a number of years. We've got a brilliant spin attack. I suppose we've got a brilliant set of players who have lots of different skills to be able to do a job in whatever role they're given. It's been difficult to select our XI. We're really excited."
The versatility of England's captain will loom as a pivotal part of England's campaign too, giving the side a chance to further stack their batting stocks. Sciver-Brunt has been returning to full fitness, but has confirmed her contribution won't be limited to batting this World Cup.
"Me being able to play a part as an all-rounder has a bit of a change to the balance of the side that we can select," she continued.
"So, we'd like to select seven batters to go into this tournament."
This also marks the first time Sciver-Brunt will captain England's former skipper Heather Knight. She plans to draw on the veteran's experience.
"I think it would be stupid of me not to listen to her," Sciver-Brunt noted.
"She's a hugely valuable person in our side, whether it's with the bat or just that tactical thinking. She's got a brilliant brain for cricket. So, yeah, I'm encouraging her to be as vocal as she wants to be, really. And, yeah, any little bits that we can help the team move forward and hopefully win a game or two, we'll be doing that."
England are feeling acclimatised to the sub-continental conditions, having completed pre-World Cup camp in Abu Dhabi.
"(The camp) was really valuable," she continued.
"We got some great time out in the middle in really hot, humid conditions where in England it's not like that. So, I think preparing physically in that way was really good. I think just honing in on all of the skills that you would need for different conditions and then as a side, making sure that we're communicating really well so that everyone can adapt to that. I think that's going to be a massive part of our tournament, making sure that we are adapting as quickly as we can to what's put out in front of us."
Nat Sciver-Brunt not ready to take any team lightly | Pre-match Press Conference | CWC25
England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt speaks to the media ahead of the team's CWC25 opener against South Africa.
England Squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
South Africa Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon
