“We’re going up against Australia, on our day we can beat them. We’re in a good spot for that game regardless of Ashes results,” says Beaumont; England begin World Cup defense against Australia on Saturday, live on Sky Sports from 12.30am
Tammy Beaumont believes England can go on and secure back-to-back Women’s World Cup titles
Tammy Beaumont has told England’s Women’s World Cup rivals to “rule us out at your peril” ahead of the 50+ tournament in New Zealand.
England defeated India by nine runs in the 2017 final at Lord’s to win the competition for the fourth time, having previously triumphed in 1973, 1993 and 2009.
However, Australia are favorites for victory in this year’s tournament, having won 29 of their previous 30 one-day internationals, including all three against England during the recent Women’s Ashes series.
England starter Beaumont, Player of the Tournament in 2017, said: “I feel like a lot of people have written us off.
“Last time people were trying to call us favourites. We are still the World Cup champions and they write us off at their own risk.”
“It would be a great achievement to go back-to-back. Away from home is always tough, but the conditions in New Zealand are pretty similar so it’s good to try to come back-to-back.”
“Winning a World Cup at any time is a huge achievement, but especially when we’ve been through covid and all the bubbles, restrictions, all of that. To come here and hopefully perform would be a good testament to the team.”
England, who recorded convincing wins over Bangladesh and South Africa in both of their World Cup preparations, begin their title defense against Australia in Hamilton on Saturday.
England lost 12-4 on points to Meg Lanning’s side as they failed to win back the Ashes, with the tourists winless in all seven matches.
Beaumont added: “We’re going up against Australia, on our day we can beat them. We’re in a good place going into that game regardless of Ashes results.
“I don’t think one game will ruin your World Cup hopes. It’s a good time to come back and give it a good shot.”
“Everyone has to take responsibility. [with the bat]. I didn’t have the best series with the bat in the ashes but everyone has to step up
“We’ve had some talks not only about what we want to do, but how we’re going to do it. We want to play aggressive cricket, take the game on.”
Watch every Cricket Women’s World Cup match live on Sky Sports. Coverage of the first match of the tournament, hosts New Zealand versus the West Indies, begins Friday at 12:30am England vs Australia is live from 12:30am on Saturday.
