England’s World Cup win would go down in history as one of sport’s great turning points, says Phoebe Graham Cricket News

England meet Australia in World Cup final, live on Sky Sports on Sunday; Phoebe Graham says the defending champions have been “unstoppable” since losing their first three games, with Heather Knight’s “always great” quality as captain showing

By Phoebe Graham – @phoebeg23

Last updated: 2/4/22 8:43 am

From the brink of elimination to a game of glory, Phoebe Graham looks back on England’s stunning World Cup resurgence, South Africa’s semi-final demolition and the title game against mighty Australia…

The World Cup title is within England’s reach.

Sunday’s win over Australia would go down as one of the sport’s great turning points.

At the start of the season and losing three out of three, retaining the World Cup was a distant dream, but as soon as England’s games turned into victories they flipped a switch and were unstoppable.

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England beat South Africa by 137 runs to reach the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup where they will face Australia in Christchurch on Sunday

England beat South Africa by 137 runs to reach the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup where they will face Australia in Christchurch on Sunday

“Captain Knight is an all-time great”

It was great to see them play so ruthlessly against South Africa in the semifinals. They were disciplined and yet played with so much freedom.

Having that attitude at this point shows that England have one of the all-time greats at the helm of this team in Heather Knight.

Danni Wyatt set the tone with a terrific 129. The freedom in her shots and the way she takes on the ringfield on the power play gives the whole team a sense of confidence. Sophia Dunkley also played a crucial inning, scoring 60 points.

I then thought England bowled better as a unit than they did throughout the tournament.

They gave nothing away, rolled into partnerships and looked so menacing with the new ball.

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Anya Shrubsole says England are confident going into this weekend’s showdown with Australia

Anya Shrubsole says England are confident going into this weekend’s showdown with Australia

“England magical in Mid Overs vs South Africa”

When Anya Shrubsole hauls in the ball and Katherine Brunt nips it away, it’s no wonder South Africa have lost two early wickets.

England were then magical in the middle overs, through Kate Cross, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone.

Cross was an unsung hero at the tournament, while Dean has embraced international cricket like a duck to water.

Last but not least is Ecclestone, the world’s top ODI bowler. Eight overs, 6-36. What an achievement and what an actor!

She’s just world class with her presence and competitive nature. The way she took on South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail with bat and ball showed how deeply England were in this fight.

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Spinner Sophie Ecclestone talks about England’s chances of winning the Women’s World Cup for a second consecutive year

Spinner Sophie Ecclestone talks about England’s chances of winning the Women’s World Cup for a second consecutive year

“England are fueled and ready to win the World Cup”

Bowling South Africa for 156 was a statement.

It shows how far this England team has come, shows the mindset Knight has cultivated in the dressing room, shows England are here to retain their title.

The final will be one of the most competitive cricket matches we have seen in a long time. Australia is in the form of its life, but this is a revived, refueled England. You are ready to win the world championship.

Good luck girls. Bring it home!

Watch the Women’s World Cup final between England and Australia for free on Sky Showcase, PICK and the Sky Sports Cricket YouTube channel from 1am on Sunday. The match will also be shown at the Sky Sports Cricket World Cup and Sky Sports Main Event.