England captain Heather Knight relishing bid to make history in World Cup final

England captain Heather Knight is relishing the opportunity to make history in the Women’s World Cup final against Australia in Christchurch on Sunday.

Knight’s team have the opportunity to become the first England side to defend a World Cup title, despite a poor start to the tournament.

England were on the brink of exiting the tournament at the group stage after opening with three consecutive losses, but a fifth-straight victory saw them book their place in a second-successive World Cup final.

The England captain believes that victory in Sunday’s showpiece would be more special after their poor start.

“I think it’ll mean more after the start we had in this competition as well, obviously a tough start that we had and being able to turn it around would be remarkable really,” Knight said. “So that would make it even more special if we can do it tomorrow.

“Back to back, we have the opportunity to make history and being the first England team to do that and that’s such an exciting thing.

It's a brand new day and a brand new game and a chance for us to go out and show what we can do- Heather Knight

“Just being involved in World Cup finals is what you set your stall out as a player, what you’ve worked so hard for and what you want to be involved in.

“So there’s a huge excitement in the group, we won’t think too much about 2017, it’s all on the day isn’t it.

“It’s a brand new day and a brand new game and a chance for us to go out and show what we can do.”

England have not beaten Australia in a one-day international since 2017 and the Aussies are yet to be beaten at the World Cup, having won all of their matches so far in the competition.

However, despite their poor record – including a heavy Ashes defeat earlier this winter –