Captains keep faith in teamwork

Merissa Aguilleira, 27-year-old from Trinidad, was her chirpy self sharing her thoughts on the World Cup final.

Jodie Fields, 28-year-old from Queensland, kept a stoic face as questions flew in the pre-final media briefing.

Both the World Cup captains in the final are also wicketkeepers. “This tournament has been a real roller-coaster for us. Facing the ups and down, that is where true spirit lies. We have faith in God. He carried us through this situation and we stuck together as a team,” said Aguilleira.

Asked about thoughts on the eve of first-ever final for the Windies women in the World Cup, she said: “We can take inspiration from the World Twenty20 men’s final.”

The wicketkeeper-batter said her team was better prepared against Australia, having beaten it in the Super Six. “It is good we are playing Australia, because we have seen them.” Australian captain Jodie Fields is a livewire on the field, dignified in victory and defeat. Referring to West Indies’ confidence after winning the Super Six match, she said: “We have to play well to beat them. Credit to them for making the final”

Australia is experienced in playing the deciders, winning the T20 World Cup and now one match away from becoming the champion in WC 2013. “The focus for us is to play well and put in a good all-round performance,” she said.