Karachi: Former England cricketers Kate Cross and Tammy Beaumont have expressed strong confidence in England’s women’s cricket team’s prospects at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, despite not being selected for the squad.

According to International Cricket Council, Beaumont and Cross praised the team’s preparations and recent performances, including significant victories against top teams such as New Zealand, Pakistan, India, and notably, Australia in the Women’s Ashes T20Is. “England, on their best day, can beat any team,” stated Kate Cross during an interview with Sky Sports News, highlighting the team’s readiness and spirit ahead of the tournament in the UAE.

The team has been in the UAE for about ten days, allowing ample time to acclimate and train in the conditions they will face during the World Cup. England boasts a robust bowling lineup, spearheaded by Sophie Ecclestone, whose skills as a spinner will be crucial on the UAE pitches. The squad also benefits from a blend of experience and youth, with seasoned players like Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Amy Jones providing stability and leadership.

Tammy Beaumont emphasized the importance of this mix, suggesting that the presence of seasoned players enables younger team members to play freely and assertively. “Someone like Sophie Ecclestone too, she is a massive senior player having featured so many times and is the number one [T20] bowler in the world,” Beaumont added, underscoring the depth of talent in the team.

England is seeking their first Women’s T20 World Cup title since the inaugural tournament in 2009, where they were victorious. They are scheduled to begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 5, followed by matches against South Africa, Scotland, and West Indies.