Guwahati, Oct 3 (NationPress) England's captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has expressed confidence in her team’s spin bowling unit, asserting that they will be pivotal for a successful commencement in their 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup opener against South Africa, scheduled to take place at the ACA Stadium.

"The wicket appears promising (for the tournament opener). In the Powerplay, scoring seemed relatively straightforward. However, it became trickier in the middle overs, especially with the introduction of our spinners," she remarked.

“Typically, we adhere to a strategy where our spinners excel in the middle overs, making it challenging for the opposition to score freely. This has been a significant strength of our team over the years. Our spin attack is exceptional, and we have a talented roster capable of fulfilling various roles effectively. Selecting our final XI was a tough decision. We’re genuinely enthusiastic about the upcoming matches,” Nat said, as quoted by ICC on Friday.

While Nat is regaining her full fitness, she has confirmed her intention to contribute as a bowler in this eight-team contest. "My role as an all-rounder alters the balance of our team selection, allowing us to field seven batters in this tournament," she added.

This match against South Africa will also mark the debut of former captain Heather Knight under Nat’s leadership, with Nat indicating her intention to leverage Heather’s insights throughout the tournament. "It would be unwise for me not to heed her advice. She’s an incredibly valuable asset to our team, whether through her batting or tactical insight.

“Her cricketing intellect is remarkable. I'm encouraging her to voice her thoughts freely. Any insights that could propel the team towards victories will be welcomed,” she mentioned.

Nat concluded by reflecting on the pre-World Cup training camp in Abu Dhabi, deeming it crucial for England to acclimatize to sub-continental conditions. "The camp provided immense value. We spent quality time in challenging hot and humid conditions, quite different from what we experience in England. This physical preparation was beneficial,” she noted.

“We focused on refining the skills necessary for various conditions and emphasized effective communication to ensure everyone adapts swiftly. This adaptability will be vital for our success in the tournament,” she added.