Cricket
Lionesses expect exciting contest againt Proteas─── MORGAN PIEK 15:58 Fri, 22 Nov 2024
“Yeah, exactly. I think we’ve sort of drawn a line after the World Cup.We’re very much looking forward to this series for what it is, and I think it will be an exciting contest between two really good teams.”
The Proteas Women and England get their historic multi-format tour in South Africa this weekend with the 1st T20 International in East London.
For the first time in women’s cricket in South Africa, two teams will compete in three T20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals, and a standalone Test match, which is set to take place in Bloemfontein in December.
The last encounter between these teams saw England secure a seven-wicket victory over South Africa during the group stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Despite this loss, South Africa went on to reach their second consecutive final but fell short against New Zealand.
England in turn failed to reach the semi-finals of the global showpiece in the UAE and they were heavily criticised.
There has been speculation that England might approach this tour with a mindset of retribution for their shortcomings at the T20 World Cup. However, England wicketkeeper Amy Jones dismissed this notion, emphasising that the team’s focus is on the upcoming series rather than dwelling on past events.
“Yeah, exactly. I think we’ve sort of drawn a line after the World Cup,” Jones told OFM Sport.
“We’re very much looking forward to this series for what it is, and I think it will be an exciting contest between two really good teams.
Amy Jones. Photo: Cricinfo
“We’ve had some really constructive conversations as a group and individually, as you would after any competition or series. It’s always important to take the lessons from every game.
Regarding the suggestion that the team’s failure at the T20 World Cup came down to them being unfit and under-prepared, Jones said that is certainly not the case and they are in South Africa to compete.
“In terms of the comments about retribution, we’ve not really discussed that,” Jones added.
“As a group, we have some exceptional athletes, and we pride ourselves on that. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but I think we’re pretty comfortable with where we are as a team.”
The first T20 International is scheduled for Sunday at Buffalo Park in East London, and the first ball is set to be bowled at 14:00.
