England head into another home ICC tournament with high expectations, having a strong record on home soil. The Lionesses have featured in four ICC tournaments in England and have gone on to win all of them, including the 2009 T20 World Cup—still their only title in the shortest format—and the memorable 2017 ODI World Cup triumph.
Speaking ahead of the opener, Sciver-Brunt acknowledged the weight of expectation surrounding the team, especially given England’s success in previous home events and the growing profile of women’s cricket.
“There’s extra pressure from everywhere. Being the host nation, first home World Cup for me leading, the Lionesses and the Red Roses doing such a brilliant job in their tournaments, the state of women’s cricket, the list goes on in terms of where you could add up the pressure,” she said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
However, the England skipper described the pressure as a privilege, saying the team is motivated by the opportunity to showcase women’s cricket on a global stage.
“I guess we’re sat here feeling that pressure as a privilege. We’re in a time in the world where women’s cricket is waiting for a platform in cricket to expand and explode. It just so happens that we’re the 15 people who have the opportunity to do that at this time,” she added.
Sciver-Brunt also stressed that the team is focused on staying composed inside the dressing room, despite external expectations and media scrutiny.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, meanwhile, embraced her side’s underdog status, suggesting that England will carry far more pressure as hosts and tournament favourites.
“We are coming in with the underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said. “But I know England have a little bit of pressure because they are playing in their home conditions, and first game, and a lot of expectation. We don’t have that kind of pressure. So, we just need to play our fearless cricket.”
The tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday, June 12.
