England on the brink of World Cup success

ENGLAND and New Zealand will be trying to add another title to their collections when they square-off in the final of the ICCWomen’s World Cup 2009 at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.

England have won the World Cup twice – in 1973 and in 1993 when they defeated New Zealand by 67 runs in the final.

England’s Laura Marsh has undoubtedly been the find of the tournament and the 22 year old off-spinner has taken 14 wickets so far at an average of just 9.28.

Skipper Charlotte Edwards (pictured) has been in three previous semi-finals, but has never made it to the final. Edwards is not only the country’s most experienced player with 123 caps, she is also the most successful batter with 3647 runs.

Edward’s has said that Sunday’s match would be the biggest of her career. ’I have played in a lot of big games but never in a World Cup final. I am looking forward to tomorrow which will be the biggest game of my career. The World Cup comes around only every four years and I think I am lucky to be in the final after three semis.’ she said.

’Hopefully, Claire Taylor’s and my experience will see the girls through tomorrow. The great thing about our team is we have youngsters and all they know is success at the moment. It is a good mixture of youth and experience and we have been telling the youngsters to just enjoy the day as not many people play in a World Cup final.’

’Yesterday was quite a long day, having a day off. But there is excitement today and we are just ready to play cricket. This is something we have worked towards for a number of years now and we can’t wait for tomorrow to happen and get underway.’

’Tomorrow’s match will be about which team handles the pressure better and whose key players perform. These are two very good and evenly matched teams and the team that plays the best cricket on Sunday will win the match.’

England Squad:Charlotte Edwards (capt), Caroline Atkins, Katherine Brunt, Holly Colvin, Lydia Greenway, Lauren Griffiths, Isa Guha, Jenny Gunn, Laura Marsh, Beth Morgan, Ebony Rainsford-Brent, Nicola Shaw, Anya Shrubsole, Claire Taylor, Sarah Taylor.

Picture courtesy of Getty Images.