England vice-captain aims to salvage personal pride in the final Women's Ashes Test
Melbourne: After a humiliating defeat in the long series, England’s vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has called on her team to salvage personal pride in the final Test of the Women’s Ashes series. England is desperate to avoid a 16-0 whitewash in the historic first-ever day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
England's current situation is extremely challenging. Having already lost the series after defeats in two ODIs and three T20 matches, they now only have the opportunity to claim four consolation points.
Sciver-Brunt, who has averaged just 26.33 with the bat in the series with only one half-century, expressed her disappointment in her performance. She said, “I want to contribute something meaningful to the team. Even for my personal pride, I need to play well.”
She further added, “When you lose six matches in a series, it’s easy to lose confidence. However, I will try to lead the team from the front. We know that playing at such a historic venue in Melbourne is a rare opportunity, so we want to give our best performance.”
Sciver-Brunt is also hopeful about the potential return of experienced pacer Kate Cross. Due to a back injury, Cross missed the ODI series, but she showed progress by bowling during Tuesday’s net session. Sciver-Brunt said, “Cross is tracking well. It felt great to see her bowling in the nets. However, the final decision will be made by the physio.”
England’s failure in this series has raised significant questions about team management. Head coach Jon Lewis and captain Heather Knight are facing increased scrutiny, while concerns over player fitness and fielding standards have come into focus.
When asked if another defeat in the final match would mark a low point in the rivalry, Sciver-Brunt replied, “We’ve seen tougher situations during the Covid era in Australia. But this series has been particularly tough because we came in with higher expectations, and we haven’t performed well. It has been difficult.”
Additionally, Sciver-Brunt’s two-year streak as ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year ended on Thursday, with New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr claiming the honor.
Despite failing to reclaim the Ashes, the England team hopes to end the series on a respectable note with a strong performance in the Melbourne Test.
