An English view - With luck and hard work we can still do it

Claire Taylor

December 8, 2000

We're at the halfway point in the tournament; two wins and two losses, not the position in which we would have seen ourselves during preparation. Still, what's done is done; we need to move forward from here to get ourselves into a semi-final place. Wins against the big two will get us there, if we beat one of them and other matches go our way we can still make it. After two years of preparation, to be dependent on beating the big guns and results in other matches is immensely frustrating.

We've had some excellent bowling and fielding performances and there has been some good batting from individuals. We need something special over the next three games from our batsmen, something that we've not had consistently over the past few years. I have no doubt in our ability to pull off an upset, but it's going to take a whole lot of hard work and a little bit of luck to do it.

Off the field things are settling into a quiet rhythm; we train, play, eat, sleep and drink cricket. Even on our rest days we're out watching the other matches; looking at the other teams and how they approach the opposition, their game plans, and particular players' techniques. Having most of the matches within walking distance has proved very useful in this respect.

This is my first world cup and it's been fantastic to watch some of the more experienced players. The battle of the batsmen, as this tournament was dubbed, has not materialised. Karen Rolton seems to have taken over Clark's scoring mantle for Australia and Hockley has not dominanted as expected for the Kiwi's. Are they saving their runs for later in the tournament or has the homework of the other teams been successful?

We've got a couple of important days of training coming up as we figure out our best plan of attack against the Ozzies on Sunday. The majority of the Barmy Army (well - the women's equivalent) arrive in time for the match; it will be good to have more people shouting for us! So bring on Sunday and our fight for a semi-final spot!

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Claire Taylor

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CricInfo Women's World Cup

England Women tour of New Zealand

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England