A NEW ERA

Under the new leadership of Lisa Keightley, there is some intrigue around England ahead of the T20 World Cup.

There is little doubt that they will be among Australia’s closest challengers, but whether they can nudge past the hosts and clear favourites is a different matter.

With a terrific opening pair in Danni Wyatt and Amy Jones, as well as a packed middle order, the potential is there. The pressure will be on a young triumvirate of spinners: Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn and Mady Villiers are all hugely impressive. Can they deliver on the biggest stage?

A HEALTHY RECORD

Talk of England’s struggles has been somewhat exaggerated, given the magnitude and importance given to the Women’s Ashes. In 13 T20Is in 2019, England won 11 of them.

They were beaten only at Hove and Chelmsford against a rampant Australian side. India, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Pakistan were all dispatched in an otherwise unbeaten year.

RECENT RESULTS (most recent last - to Feb 1): WWWLLWWWWL

SO NEAR, YET SO FAR

Ever since winning the first edition of the tournament on home soil back in 2009, England have been left frustrated by this competition.

There have been silver medals in 2012, 2014 and 2018, while the semi-final defeat in 2016 against Australia set the wheels in motion for Mark Robinson’s revamp of his side, ultimately leading to World Cup glory the following year.

Only in 2010 have England failed to get beyond the group stage, losing to Australia in a Super Over and West Indies by two runs, while beating only South Africa.

If it’s not Australia who are victorious Down Under, then England – four-time finalists – will fancy their chances.

WORLD CUP RECORD

2009: Winners

2010: Group stage

2012: Runners-up

2014: Runners-up

2016: Semi-finals

2018: Runners-up