It’s an honor to lead the England team into another World Cup.
World Cups are unique events for players, creating unforgettable memories. There’s nothing quite like competing against the best teams in the world for that trophy, and it’s a privilege to be part of it.
Our squad features a wonderful blend of experience and youth, with seasoned players alongside those participating in their first World Cup, which is very exciting. My message to the newcomers is to savor every moment and embrace the challenge.
I’m thrilled with the squad we’ve selected for the tournament in the UAE. We’ve covered all the bases, and over the past year, each player has stepped up to deliver outstanding performances that have helped the team win games. We aim to create great memories both on and off the pitch, and everyone is eager for the month ahead.
I’m writing this from our training camp in Abu Dhabi, which I believe will prepare us well. The setup here has allowed us to acclimate to the heat and conditions we’ll face. As we approach our opening match against Bangladesh on October 5, it’s starting to feel very real.
We have been preparing for this World Cup for about 18 months and have built a lot of confidence from our recent performances. We want to continue playing the way we have been and deliver our best in crucial moments. Every member of the squad will play an important role.
Although there hasn’t been much women’s cricket in the UAE, and our sample size for Women’s T20 matches in the region is limited, we know the stadiums offer excellent facilities. We’ve been preparing for Bangladesh for quite some time, getting players ready for the local conditions. However, even with the change in location, our plans remain largely the same.
We have a clear understanding of how we want to approach the tournament and the style of cricket we want to play. We feel well-prepared and in a great place. It’s essential to maintain our playing style, despite the added pressure and expectations of a World Cup. Our focus is on doing our best and taking it one game at a time.
T20 can be the most unpredictable format, so we need to ensure our mindset is right and not change too much just because it’s a World Cup. We’ll see how things unfold.
We know we’ll face top-quality sides that will present various challenges, and we’re excited to get started and create some memorable moments. — Courtesy International Cricket Council
(Heather Knight is the captain of the England women’s cricket team. The ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will run from October 3 to October 20 in the UAE.)
