England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt says the prospect of playing a home World Cup is a major moment for women’s cricket in England and a chance to showcase the game on a big stage. She said she never expected to play one home World Cup, let alone two, and described the summer ahead as exciting for both the team and women’s sport more broadly.
Reflecting on England’s victorious 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign, Sciver-Brunt recalled it as a special summer built on hard work, togetherness and focus. She said the team knew the tournament would be a long battle, with close matches and constant twists, and that their camaraderie helped carry them through to the final. Even nearly a decade later, she said the memories still feel fresh.
Sciver-Brunt also addressed England’s strong record in home World Cups, noting that the side has never failed to win a World Cup on home soil. While she acknowledged that statistic, she said it does not change the challenge ahead. Her aim, she said, is to lead England to another home triumph and avoid becoming the first England captain not to lift the trophy in those conditions.
She said hosting a World Cup gives a team an advantage regardless of ranking, because the support of the home crowd can inspire players and lift performances. England, she added, will hope to use that backing while staying focused on the task in front of them rather than becoming distracted by records or pressure.
The captain said the key to success will be remaining calm and present during the tournament, concentrating on the immediate demands of batting, bowling and fielding instead of worrying about possible outcomes. She stressed that the squad will go into the competition confident in its abilities and determined to stay composed.
Sciver-Brunt highlighted the selection of young seamer Tilly Corteen-Coleman as a reminder of how special it is to represent England, praising her as a talented and exciting prospect. She also welcomed the return of players such as Linsey Smith and Dani Gibson, saying their presence reflects the perseverance and ambition within the squad.
According to Sciver-Brunt, England have gone through significant change over the past year, but the direction remains clear. She said the team knows where it wants to get to and has the players capable of making a major impact at a World Cup, competing strongly and reaching the final.
With the tournament approaching, Sciver-Brunt said the squad has worked hard to be in the best possible position and that the mood around the group is one of optimism and purpose.
