Anya Shrubsole says England are in a positive mindset ahead of their Twenty20 World Cup opener against South Africa at the WACA.
England begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday, with the match airing from 11am live on Sky Sports Cricket, and Heather Knight’s side will be aiming to start strongly.
Shrubsole admits that South Africa will be a tough opposition, but believes that a good result would build England’s confidence as they progress in the competition.
“South Africa are a really good team – with world class players throughout their XI – so it’s a big test. We feel like we’re in a pretty good place, though,” said Shrubsole
“We’ve played some good cricket across the tri-series at points and put in a more complete game against New Zealand in the first warm-up so it’s just about putting that altogether on Sunday.
“It’s not about playing our best cricket in the first game – it’s tournament cricket so it’s about winning, gaining momentum and growing into the tournament. As a side we’ve got quite a good history of getting over the line and getting the job done and that will hopefully stand us in good stead.
“The WACA is a home away from home for many of us [five players have played for Perth Scorchers in WBBL] so it’s a place we feel comfortable in and hopefully that will help us on Sunday.
“We’re really excited about it. We’ve been in Australia for a while now, getting some great preparation under our belts but now it’s about the tournament proper and putting all of that out there on the field.”
England will face South Africa at The Pattonair County Ground in the second One Day International of the Royal London Series on Friday 11 September, starting at 1.30pm.
Heather Knight and her side will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run in Derby, having twice beaten New Zealand in recent years.
The return for the day/night Royal London ODI clash against South Africa, with the likes of Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt expected to be in action.
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