The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is entering its decisive phase, with a highly anticipated clash between India and England scheduled for October 19. This match could significantly impact the semifinal lineup.
Nasser Hussain, the former England captain with an impressive career of 96 Tests and 88 ODIs, offered his perspective on both teams’ tournament journeys. “It’s been an excellent tournament so far. England had a brilliant start against South Africa, though they faced some close calls against Bangladesh and Pakistan. India, too, began strongly but narrowly lost two vital games to South Africa and Australia. Both teams have certainly demonstrated their quality,” Hussain remarked during a JioHotstar Press Room discussion.
England’s bowling and fielding have been consistently strong, spearheaded by star players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean. However, Hussain highlighted a key area for improvement: their batting lineup requires more consistent contributions from every player.
“To defeat India, you simply cannot depend on just one or two individuals. Every player must step up and play their part,” he advised.
For India, the primary challenge lies in converting their promising play into concrete victories, especially after suffering consecutive defeats on home turf.
The former England skipper observed, “As tournament hosts, the pressure is immense. While it’s easy to dismiss pressure when you’re winning, after two losses, every game becomes a must-win situation. India isn’t playing poorly; they’ve simply lost tight matches due to exceptional plays from their opponents. They need to draw confidence from their recent series win against England earlier this summer.”
Addressing concerns about India’s performance in home conditions, Hussain added, “It’s more about achieving the right team balance. England benefits from having a sixth bowling option, which provides crucial flexibility if things go awry. However, I also appreciate India’s current setup because modern cricket thrives on batting depth.”
He underscored the importance of India maintaining an aggressive mindset: “In their initial games, India seemed content with aiming for a par score. But against Australia, even in defeat, they played with greater aggression and looked much better. That’s the approach they need to adopt. Attack England, utilize that extra batter, and remember that players like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana are capable of rescuing the innings lower down the order.”
Despite captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s subdued form, Hussain remains optimistic about her potential to make a significant impact.
“She’s had a few promising starts but hasn’t yet converted them into substantial scores. However, players like Alyssa Healy have also experienced quiet periods before delivering match-winning performances. Harmanpreet possesses an incredible World Cup record and a proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations. With her experience and skill, she can still be the one to turn the tide for India,” he elaborated.
“If you win this game, reach six points, and then defeat New Zealand, you’re suddenly in contention for the semifinals. Embrace the moment, as the entire world is watching.”
Regarding England’s lineup, Hussain suggested Danni Wyatt Hodge could be a valuable addition. “It’s a tough decision in such a critical match. Wyatt brings experience and is effective against spin, making her a potential candidate for the top or middle order. However, making a combination change now would be a very brave move,” he concluded.
(Image: Team India at Women’s World Cup 2025)