🚀 Read this awesome post from BBC Sport 📖
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💡 Main takeaway:
England’s bowling has impressed since the start of the tournament, particularly the trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Lynsey Smith and Charlie Dean – although they will be nervously waiting for the former’s fitness after she injured her shoulder against the White Ferns.
The batting line-up provided further scares but openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who added their fourth fifty-over stand in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, started to find their groove at a very opportune time.
“There were a lot of questions about the ability of Jones and Beaumont at the top of the order to play the swing ball,” Hartley added.
“Tammy has made a turnaround and is batting harder now and looking more comfortable. She would have liked to have more runs against New Zealand but this opening partnership is only just starting to take shape as we get to the nitty-gritty.”
“That’s what you want – you want to play your best cricket as you get to the final stages.”
Heather Knight and Skiver-Brent were in good form throughout, but there were still question marks over the middle order, which coach Charlotte Edwards reshaped against New Zealand, but they were not needed in the eight-wicket win.
Emma Lamb, who struggled at number six with 36 points in five rounds, was dropped for Danny White-Hodge while Alice Capsey was due to come in at number five instead of seven, swapped with out-of-form Sophia Dunkley.
England must be prepared to adapt as they return to the slow pitch of Guwahati from the flatter pitches of Indore and Vizag, while India and Australia play out their second semi-final in Navi Mumbai, which is also hosting the final on November 2.
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