In-form England gear up for defending champions’ mojo

IT’S A CLASH between two powerhouses of the women’s game, one that elicits excitement, passion and the urge to win at any cost.Not that some of the other sides don’t, but England v Australia anywhere in the world, be it in men’s or women’s cricket, is a contest of nerves, frayed tempers at times, anticipation, and plenty of verbal volleys.
That Meg Lanning and her Southern Stars are within two wins from adding their fourth World T20 title into their burgeoning trophy cabinet should fire them up.
Equally keyed up on the other side will be Charlotte Edwards, England’s talisman, best batsman, reputed leader, legend of the game, who would want to make, perhaps, her last World T20 appearance a memorable one. But that won’t be a walk in the park by any means.
England go into the clash with an all-win record in the group stages. The misfiring batting unit somewhat found remedial measures in demoralising Pakistan – Edwards leading the way with an exuberant half-century.
In comparison, Australia’s campaign has been a topsy-turvy one with the top order continuing to come under scrutiny. Their meltdown against superior attacks in New Zealand and South Africa is something England would have done well to note.
Both England and Australia know what it takes to win the title, but the similarity ends there. Since winning the inaugural edition in 2009, England have somehow slipped under pressure – losing to Australia on three occasions in a knockout clash at a world event.
Australia, who won two titles under Jodie Fields in 2010 and 2012, seemed to have carried forward the mantle even in the absence of some stalwarts like Lisa Sthalekar. The transition has been seamless as the side lifted the trophy under Lanning in 2012 and 2014.
While England have played their matches in Bangalore, Dharamsala and Chennai, that Australia have been based in Delhi for more than a week now could give them an edge come today.

(ESPN Cricinfo)