England face Australia in World Cup final, live on Sky Sports on Sunday; Phoebe Graham says defending champions have been "unstoppable" since losing first three games, with "all-time great" Heather Knight showing quality as captain
Saturday 2 April 2022 08:43, UK
From the brink of elimination to one game from glory – Phoebe Graham looks at England’s stunning World Cup revival, the semi-final demolition of South Africa and the title game against the mighty Australia…
The World Cup title is within touching distance for England.
Victory over Australia on Sunday would go down as one of sport's great turnarounds.
Earlier in the campaign and with three defeats from three, retaining the World Cup was a distant dream, but as soon as England's games became must-win, they flicked a switch and have been unstoppable.
It was brilliant watching them play so ruthlessly in the semi-finals against South Africa. They were disciplined yet played with so much freedom.
To have that mindset at this stage shows that England have one of the all-time greats in Heather Knight leading this team.
Danni Wyatt set the tone with a superb 129. The freedom in her shots and the way she takes on the ring field in the powerplay gives the whole team a sense of confidence. Sophia Dunkley also played a pivotal innings, scoring 60.
I then thought England bowled better as a unit than they have in the whole tournament.
They gave nothing away, bowled in partnerships and looked so threatening with the new ball.
When you have Anya Shrubsole hooping the ball in and Katherine Brunt nipping it away, it's no wonder South Africa lost two early wickets.
England were then magical in the middle overs, through Kate Cross, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone.
Cross has been an unsung hero in this tournament, while Dean has taken to international cricket like a duck to water.
Last but definitely not least is Ecclestone, the world's best ODI bowler. Eight overs, 6-36. What a performance and what a performer!
She is 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 much England were in this fight.
Bowling South Africa out for 156 was a statement.
It shows how far this England team have come, shows the mindset Knight has fostered in the dressing room, shows that England are here to retain their title.
The final will be one of the most competitive games of cricket we have seen for a long time. Australia are in the form of their life, but this is a reenergised, refuelled England. They are ready to win the World Cup.
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 game is also being shown on Sky Sports Cricket World Cup and Sky Sports Main Event.
