Lisa Keightley’s side are genuine contenders for the trophy despite the holders’ status as clear favouritesThe latest edition of the Women’s T20
World Cup gets under way in Australia on Friday and
England, under their new coach, Lisa Keightley, will certainly consider themselves contenders even after a disappointing Women’s Ashes series last summer.
Heather Knight’s side, who won the 50-over World Cup so memorably at Lord’s three years ago, failed to reach the final of their recent tri-series against
India and Australia, eliminated courtesy of a lower net run-rate after the series was tied three ways on points, but they did rack up important wins against both opponents. Knight led from the front as England’s leading run scorer in the series, hitting a 45-ball 78 in their tied match against the Australians before seeing them over the line in the super-over with consecutive boundaries.