England wins toss and opts to bowl against South Africa at Women’s Cricket World Cup

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GUWAHATI, India (AP) — The England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt called correctly at the coin toss and opted to bowl first against South Africa in the Women’s World Cup on Friday.

It is the first game in the tournament for the two sides. Captains Sciver-Brunt and Laura Wolvaardt are also leading their sides for the first time in an ODI.

The all-rounder Heather Knight plays her 150th ODI after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in May. She is only the second female English cricketer to achieve the milestone.

The 2009 Cricket World Cup-winning captain Charlotte Edwards is the new England coach.

South Africa goes into the tournament after series wins over West Indies and Pakistan. It is a side loaded with all-rounders, containing four pace options and three of spin, along with a deep batting line-up.

It is the second game of this World Cup to be held at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati after India beat Sri Lanka here in the tournament opener.

The pitch should aid spin as the game progresses. Evening dew could aid the chasing side. There is also a chance of rain interruptions.

Teams:

England: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket