England's Sophie Ecclestone would succeed in men's cricket, says Danni Wyatt
- Planet Sport writer
- 31 March 2022
Sophie Ecclestone claimed a remarkable six wickets as England booked their place in the World Cup final.
England recorded a comfortable 137-run victory over South Africa on Thursday morning to book themselves a spot in Sunday's World Cup final.
Danni Wyatt shone with the bat, striking a maiden century to help England to 293 for eight, while Sophie Ecclestone launched an all-out assault on South Africa, claiming six wickets in eight overs as South Africa were bowled out for 156.
The result marks England's fifth successive win since suffering three defeats at the start of the tournament, and they'll look to carry momentum into the final against Australia.
England will be hoping for 22-year-old Ecclestone to emulate such an impressive display against the side that sealed a convincing Ashes triumph just a few months ago.
Another incredible performance from the world's best. #CWC22 | @sophecc19 pic.twitter.com/X1aIeStehs
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 31, 2022
But while Australia will be England's toughest test to date, Wyatt believes Ecclestone is good enough to compete at any level, including men's cricket.
"Soph bowled exceptionally well again today, she's an absolute 'GOAT' and I'm so chuffed for her," said Wyatt.
"That's going to be the first of many five-fors and she was absolutely unplayable today, especially with that pace and dip, a bit of turn as well that she was getting.
"I actually said to Nat Sciver on the pitch how she would go in men's international cricket, I think she's bowling exceptionally well at the minute and she's not fun to face in the nets that's for sure."
But while Ecclestone will receive most of the headlines after the win, Wyatt deserves a lot of credit for her aggressive batting performance in Christchurch.
How good were these two today! @Sophecc19 🤝 @Danni_Wyatt #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/Iid5yS2U9n
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 31, 2022
The 30-year-old managed 129 from 125 deliveries, and formed a formidable partnership with Sophie Dunkley, who managed 60 herself.
When asked about her performance, Wyatt was understandably pleased with her huge contribution.
"Obviously really chuffed with how it went today, woke up this morning and really wanted to contribute to a win today and that's what happened," Wyatt said.
"Obviously got dropped a few times but that's cricket and you've got to cash in on days like today, so really happy with how it went."
Heather Knight's side will now head into Sunday's final full of confidence and looking for revenge against an Australia side that has won every World Cup game so far this tournament.
