Heather relishing a shot at history

Heather Knight knows history beckons for England if they emerge victorious against Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 Final on Sunday.

England have never won back-to-back World Cups but a win at Hagley Oval would see them achieve the feat at the fourth time of asking.

More history will be made if they can beat their greatest rivals, as England bid to become the first team in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup history to lose their opening three games and still claim the trophy.

It has been an incredible journey and Knight is determined to see the job through and complete a sensational turnaround.

“I think winning will mean more after the start we had in this competition and being able to turn it around will be remarkable really, so that would make it even more special if we can do it tomorrow,” the captain said.

“And back-to-back [titles], we have an opportunity to make history being the first England team to do that and that’s such an exciting thing.

“Just being involved in World Cup finals is what you set your stall out as a player, what you try so hard for, what you want to be involved in, so there’s huge excitement in the group.

“We won’t think too much about it, as we saw in 2017 it’s all on the day. It’s a brand-new day, a brand-new game and a chance for us to go out and show what we can do.”

Knight has emphasised how England’s calm approach helped them come through four must-win games to advance from the Group Stage but insisted no one will be too relaxed in Christchurch.

She said: “I don’t think anyone will not be fired up for a World Cup final. It is what you dream of playing in, the games that are the most important in your career and the games that you want to enjoy and bring your best.

“I don’t think anyone will need firing up any more, it’s just trying to make sure everyone has clarity when they are under pressure.

“That is one of the most important things, making sure that you go through the process and trying to execute what you do best as an individual.”

When the English national anthem plays, Knight can often be seen singing loudly and reflects on the role the anthem played in making the 2017 final so special.

And while the skipper is expecting a simpler rendition this time, it will still evoke the same passion her side has for their country.

“It’s a huge honour to play for your country, to lead your country and to represent the team in a World Cup final, so to get the chance to do that again tomorrow is very special.

“I certainly love the anthems. I’ve talked in the past about 2017 and how emotional that day was and the fact that a lot of the players that have been involved in getting the women’s game to that point were there.

“The anthem was a real emotive one for me, with Eileen Ash ringing the bell and Rachael Heyhoe Flint obviously wasn’t with us in 2017.

“I don’t think it will be as emotional as 2017 but we have obviously got experience of that, so it was a lovely moment.

“The girls love singing it, the staff love singing it and it’s really nice as a group to show our passion for playing for our country.”