Given the intensity of their rivalry, an England-Australia clash is expected to be hard fought, regardless of the gender.
And with the English men and women playing their semifinals of the World T20 here on Wednesday, albeit against different opponents, Charlotte Edwards’s girls will be hoping to not only avenge their defeat to Australia in the previous two editions, but also set a template for the men to follow.
The England and Australian women have faced each other in a World T20 title clash in the last two editions, with the Southern Stars emerging winners on both occasions. In terms of T20I results, though, England has the upper hand, having won 14 of its 24 battles with Australia.
The world’s top-two ranked sides have quite a history between them and neither has made a secret of its intent to continue the same.
England has been unbeaten in the competition so far despite a few scares, including against host India, and Charlotte knows the team will have to be on top of its game in every department if it has to have a chance of bettering its record against the defending champion.
Having won its last two league games at the same venue, with a dominant performance, Meg Lanning-led Australia has the advantage of being more acclimatised to both the conditions and the surface.
Barring the blip against New Zealand, Australia’s bowling has struck consistently. The only issue for the team will be its untested middle order.
England, on the other hand, has been hugely reliant on veteran captain Charlotte Edwards, the side’s top-scorer, and tournament’s joint-top, so far.
It has the seam attack to make any batting uncomfortable, but is matched in that department.
“We weren’t favourites to win the semifinal in 2009 so this is a similar kind of situation and I hope to have a similar result,” Charlotte admitted, making no secret of her wish for Wednesday.
England as host had won the first meeting between the two in the competition seven years back, though a lot of water has flown under the bridge since.
With both sides promising to play hard, aggressive cricket “on the front foot” as Lanning said, it would be a delight for the fans.
