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Spin to win. It’s that simple.
England begin their quest for a second women’s world T20 title on Saturday, playing their opening match against Bangladesh in Sharjah, with a game plan that they hope will be as simple as it is effective: spin it.
England have not won the T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition in 2009, entering the tournament as heavy favorites alongside India and Australia. India, for all their global might, are yet to win a women’s world T20 title, while Australia have won three on the bounce.
But England’s advantage lies in their trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn.
“They are the best in the world,” Alice Capsey said earlier this year. “You have Ecclestone who has been world number one for many, many years, Dean who comes in and takes wickets pretty much every time she bowls and Glenny who does things with Glenny. They are so consistent and they are a real staple for our team, they control the defensive innings so well.
Variety is the spice of life and between Ecclestone, Dean and Glenn England cover the three main types of spin bowling: left-arm orthodox, right-arm spin and right-leg spin.
“I know I would definitely rather have them on my team than against them,” Capsey continued. “I know every time Ecclestone threw a ball at me, she probably took me out. They are exceptional and they have helped us win a lot of matches.
All three bowlers are ranked among the top 15 T20I bowlers in the world, with Ecclestone at No.1, Glenn at No.4 and Dean at No.13. No other country has three bowlers ranked this high.
“Spin bowling in women’s cricket is very common,” explained head coach Jon Lewis. “For some reason, the best bowlers in the country are usually the spin bowlers. They are the most economical bowlers and they also pose the greatest risk of taking wickets.
It’s a trend that’s spreading across the world. According to statistics from sports data company CricViz, since 2020, spin bowling in women’s cricket has an average of 19.7, compared to speed bowling which has an average of 20.7. A small but notable difference compared to men’s cricket where the averages for spin and pace are almost identical: 23.63 for pace versus 23.38 for spin.
Part of England’s attention came from the fact that this World Cup was originally scheduled for Bangladesh, before civil unrest forced it to be moved to the United Arab Emirates at the eleventh hour.
Although conditions in Dubai are not expected to be as extreme, England will play three of their four group matches in Sharjah, a venue which, according to England’s figures, has the lowest bouncing wicket in the match international.
As a result, England are expected to pick four front-rowers when they play in Sharjah and include left-arm spinner Linsey Smith.
“His style in these conditions could be incredibly effective,” Lewis said. “When you talk about selecting someone to play on the power play versus needing a replacement fast bowler, it’s about who will be most effective on the power play.
“Linsey has demonstrated over quite a long period how effective she is. His power play numbers are exceptional, among the best in the world.
England have exited the last two World T20s at the semi-final stage, with qualification for the last four being a minimum expectation from this competition.
In theory, England are in the “easier” of the two groups, after Australia and India were paired in Group A, alongside Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan .
“I think Australia are still favourites,” said England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, with the Australians having won six of the last seven T20 titles. “But I think the gap between the teams is closing. In recent years, women’s cricket has been truly impressive.
After England’s opening match against Bangladesh, Jon Lewis’ side face South Africa, Scotland and the West Indies to close out their group stage. South Africa beat England in the semi-final of the last World Cup, West Indies are the only other team apart from England and Australia to have won the World T20 title (2016) and Scotland make their first ever appearance at the competition.
“I’m still nervous, that’s for sure,” Sciver-Brunt said on the eve of her sixth T20 World Cup campaign. “Before a tournament, I get really excited because at the end of the day, I’m a big cricket fan. I love cricket and I enjoy watching the matches.
A unique dynamic off the field at this World Cup is that all 10 teams are staying in the same hotel in Dubai. If you have to wander around the reception area, team kits are everywhere as the players will be living on top of each other for the next two and a half weeks.
“It’s the worst,” Sciver-Brunt says, half-joking. “We’ve been here a week now, everyone’s been like, ‘Hey, how are you?’ little. So you don’t really have to stop and have a conversation.
“To be honest, I don’t like staying in the same hotel as all the other teams. I would just like to stay in our own hotel, but the excitement of the World Cup is definitely still there.”
At least for Sciver-Brunt and England, if the next six matches go as planned, they will be able to take the trophy back to the hotel and show everyone what they have won.
