ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: England Women fixtures, key players, squad, prediction

England will have hope this time around. That has largely to do with the fact that they’ve a new coach – Lisa Keightley – and will be operating under her new structure.

There is some youth in the set-up – Sarah Glenn, Mady Villiers and Freya Davies will all look to impress on their global debuts – but the core, experienced group of players has been maintained. The hope is that a balance between youth and experience can be struck to form a constructive, competitive environment.

Consistency has been a problem for England. They’ve occasionally sparkled, but their one-sided loss in the Ashes to Australia would have dampened them considerably. The appointment of Keightley thereafter, and her inducing youth into the side, will galvanise the side this time around.

This T20 World Cup will be the first real test for a new-look side, and given that they’re the reigning 50-over World Cup champions, there is plenty of pedigree. Australia will be their key competitors, but perhaps hitting back against their tormentors in their backyard will make for special motivation for the side.

England will go far in the tournament. But can they go all the way?

Key players

Heather Knight: As their captain, Knight’s role is crucial as it is. But the good thing is, she also seems to be hitting form at the right time – she scored 67 against India and a career-best 78 against Australia in the tri-series before the World Cup. She’ll need to carry the form through the tournament.

Nat Sciver: As one of the three pacers in the squad, Sciver’s role is crucial. She will lead the attack in Australia, and on those hard, bouncy pitches, she will look to thrive. Her wickets will be crucial for England throughout the course of the tournament.

Sophie Ecclestone: If you watched Ecclestone’s display during the recent tri-series against Australia and India, her value will be driven home. She did superbly to restrict batsmen in the Super Over against Australia, as England secured victory, and in pressure situations at World Cups, you need players like her in the side.

Squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield, Fran Wilson, Danni Wyatt, Mady Villiers

Fixtures

February 23: vs South Africa, Perth

February 26: vs Thailand, Canberra

February 28: vs Pakistan, Canberra

March 1: vs West Indies, Sydney

Prediction

Expect England to make it to the latter stages of the tournament. The question is whether they can beat Australia in pressure situations in the final. We’re saying no.