Georgia Elwiss blog: England Women qualify for 2017 World Cup

Georgia Elwiss blogs from Sri Lanka, celebrating England Women's qualification for the 2017 Women's World Cup, plus talks tuk tuks, stingrays, and dinner with the Wyatts...

We've done it!

We've qualified for next summer's ICC Women's World Cup on home soil! 

Coming into this series in Sri Lanka, we knew we needed just one win from the three ICC Women's Championship matches to qualify, and we did it in style at the first opportunity in the second ODI. 

Our opening of the series didn't count as a Championship match, but it was still a very special occasion for Beth Langston, as she made her much-anticipated ODI debut.

It was a touching moment when Katherine Brunt was asked to do the cap presentation. As one of Beth's closest friends - and landlord - Katherine delivered a few poignant words in front of the group as she handed over the shiny new match cap - welcome to the gang, No 125!

Watching Beth take her first ODI wicket during that match was also an exciting moment for everyone, although you could have been fooled by her celebration… the little skip and clap needs a bit of work, Langers!

To celebrate Beth's debut and our opening win of the tour, we headed to the Galle Face Hotel, renowned for its fantastic view of the beautiful coastal sunset. Unfortunately though, within about 20 minutes of us arriving, the sky clouded over.

Words were exchanged between Robbo (Mark Robinson) and Ali Maiden (our assistant coach), who suggested the excursion - needless to say, they quickly passed blame back and forth. 

Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country and we have been so lucky to be able to experience the wonderful culture here during the couple of rest days that we have had. 

We have quickly made firm friends with a couple of our favourite tuk tuk drivers, who kindly wait for us outside the hotel to take us out and about across Colombo.

The fish restaurants in particular over here are unbelievable and we walked into one called Lagoon, only to see a huge stingray available for cooking!

Danni Wyatt and I also visited an amazing souvenir shop so Danni could buy a postcard to send her mum. The funny thing is though, Mrs Wyatt is actually out here too and Danni just forgot.

I'm not sure who she's going to be sending that to now - answers on a postcard!

My parents have also made the journey out here to support us, and it was lovely to have dinner with the Wyatt family, who I have known for 16 years.

Growing up at Staffordshire and now playing for England together is something that will always be special for both of our families. 

On now to our third ODI against Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, and we will be looking to make it three wins from three!