England vs Ireland LIVE: Women's T20 World Cup, Southampton

1
'Happy to be batting'

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis: "We came here wanting to bat, but with the rain was probably erring on the side of having a bowl.

"Happy to be batting. Get a good score on the board and hopefully defend it.

"Ava Canning is out and Lulu Little comes in. A similar all-rounder, more power in the lower order.

"We've seen the results in the tournament so far. If it's a team's day, it's a team's day."

'Hope for more of the same'

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "We're going to have a bowl, we have seen some good chases on this ground.

"It's a bit because of the weather but there might be some dew around later as well, so that balances it out a bit.

"There was a bit of pressure from the build-up and because we were playing the first game, so it was good for us all to show some composure and it was really exciting.

"The atmosphere has been brilliant so far at all the grounds so we hope for more of the same tonight."

'England relaxed, happy and confident'

Katherine Sciver-Brunt

Ex-England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

It was an enormous high after last Friday, it was a brilliant start. I'm just glad that they've had a few days since to get over it, and to deal with the adrenaline from it all.

It was a big moment, I got quite emotional because you really get to see how far this game has come - the Broadway performance, the size of the crowd.

But yeah, the team has been in good spirits. They seem relaxed, very happy and confident, as they should be.

Irish cricket stadium 'on track' for World Cup

While we wait for that toss, some Irish cricket news for you.

Ireland's new cricket stadium is "on track" to be ready for the 2030 men's T20 World Cup, says Cricket Ireland chief executive Sarah Keane.

The stadium at Abbottstown is primarily being funded by the Irish government through Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport.

Keane and Sport Ireland chief executive Dr Úna May and chair John Foley were joined by Irish politicians to turn the first sod at the site in the north-west suburb of Dublin, on Tuesday.

The venue will have permanent seating for 4,240 spectators with the ability to bring in temporary stands for major events, which will expand the total capacity to 12,000.

Read more from Timothy Abraham.

The prize pot: 2024 vs 2026

Ask Me Anything

How much prize money is up for grabs in the Women's T20 World Cup?

And how do the numbers compare to 2024?

In our explainer, where you'll find everything you need to know about this year's tournament, BBC Sport's Katharine Sharpe had a look at the facts and the figures.

Post

Matthew Henry

BBC Sport journalist in Southampton

The last of the covers have just been removed and the players are warming up on the outfield. We have a pitch inspection at 7pm but you'd hope there wouldn't be much of a delay beyond there.

There's an hour of extra time for all group-stage matches so we won't be losing overs until 19:30 BST.

Inside the Women's T20 World Cup

BBC Test Match Special

Test Match Special are speaking exclusively to England’s T20 squad during the World Cup, getting to know the personalities behind the players.

In the latest episode, Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith discuss what they do between matches to keep calm, what it will mean to have their friends and family watching from the stands at a home World Cup, and is 'The Shard’ really Bell’s nickname?

During the tournament you will also be able to get to know Heather Knight, Issy Wong, Sophia Dunkley, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, and Lauren Filer.

Watch here.

Click here to read article

Related Articles