‘No doubt’ England make World Cup final – Hartley

After Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side defeated New Zealand to reach the group stage, there is “no doubt” that England will reach the Women’s World Cup final, according to former spinner Alex Hartley.

With the victory, England finished second overall, trailing only Australia, who will face South Africa in Wednesday’s first semi-finale.

In Guwahati, England defeated the Proteas in their opening match by bowling them out for just 69.

England will have a lot of confidence when they play South Africa, Hartley, a 2017 World Cup champion, told BBC Test Match Special.

Guwahati’s bowling, slow tracks, and spinner placement are all “guwahati’s.”

England have overcome some stutters during the tournament, most recently when they play Bangladesh and Pakistan against more experienced opponents, but they also have improved under pressure by defeating India in a four-run thriller.

In contrast, South Africa’s group stage was abruptly ended by Australia, who suffered yet another batting collapse to spin as they were skittled for 97. Hartley also cautioned England against taking their opponents lightly.

Although England is a better team, South Africa can’t have their own day.

England can’t go into the game complacent, but they are the better side, as we saw in the T20 World Cup last year when they defeated Australia.

Opening batsmen Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who added their fourth stand of more than fifty at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have started to find their groove at a very convenient time.

“The ability of Jones and Beaumont to play the in-swinging ball has raised a lot of questions,” Hartley continued.

Tammy has changed, and she now looks much more at ease. She would have preferred to run against New Zealand, but the opening partnership is only getting going as the numbers get closer to the nub.

You want to play your best cricket as you enter the latter stages, according to the player.

Although Heather Knight and Sciver-Brunt have been successful throughout, Charlotte Edwards’ midfield, which she rejigged against New Zealand but did not need, is still ambiguous.

With only 36 runs in five innings, Emma Lamb, who had a poor six-inning season, was replaced by Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who was listed as five rather than seven, in place of Sophia Dunkley, who had been in decline.