Brilliant if India got to the final: England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said her team’s immediate focus remains on their semifinal clash against the Proteas but admitted that a potential final against hosts India would be an exciting prospect.

“I guess, well, for me, I’m trying to think about tomorrow first. And yeah, obviously once we finish that game, and hopefully we’re through into the final, we’ll be watching that game day after tomorrow (second semifinal between India and Australia) with great interest,” Sciver-Brunt said, adding, “Obviously for the competition, it would be brilliant if India got to the final — just to feel that atmosphere, I think.”

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Commenting on the four-time champions’ prospects in the semifinal, Scriver-Brunt brushed aside her side’s tournament-opening victory against South Africa, saying she expects a close contest on Wednesday.

“I’m excited for tomorrow. I guess, yeah, starting the competition, I didn’t really know what to expect too much. We’ve been a side in transition on a journey, I think, and as a captain, that’s the same for me. So yeah, I’m massively excited to be in the knockout stages of this World Cup. And yeah, really excited to take on the game tomorrow,” she said.

“Yes, we are obviously at the same ground we started at, and the same opposition. We see that game was, yeah, pretty crazy. Obviously, a brilliant start from our side into this competition, but yeah, I guess not what we would have expected from South Africa. So yeah, I think obviously South Africa have really grown into this tournament and had some brilliant games, had some close chases. So yeah, it’ll be an exciting contest tomorrow,” she added.

On what is expected to be a slow surface at the ACA Stadium, much of England’s hopes in the semifinal will rest on left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who recently picked up a minor injury near her collarbone. Providing an update on her fitness, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said the team was optimistic about her availability.

“Yeah, she had a scan after the last game, and she’s got a minor injury in her shoulder. But yeah, she’s training this evening, so we’re pretty confident that she’ll be ready for tomorrow’s game,” she said.