In the wake of a 2-0 deficit in the five-match T20 series against India, England's stand-in captain Tammy Beaumont has called upon her team to "come out fighting" in the third T20 at The Oval on Friday. Beaumont, who has been recalled to the T20 side under Charlotte Edwards following a stint out of favor with previous coach Jon Lewis, steps up to lead the team in Sciver-Brunt's absence due to a groin injury. Sciver-Brunt was a standout performer in the series opener with her 66 runs, while Beaumont scored 54 runs in the second game at Bristol.

England's batting line-up is under significant pressure to perform, with key batter Heather Knight already ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. To cover for the depleted batting order, Maia Bouchier, who was dropped by England following the Ashes defeat earlier this year, has been called up. Bouchier has been in fine form for Hampshire this season, and currently ranks seventh in the Women's T20 Blast for the most runs scored (242).

England's specialist batters Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, and Alice Capsey have contributed just 19 runs between them in the two matches thus far. Dunkley, who acted as vice-captain when Sciver-Brunt left the field at Bristol, will retain that role on Friday, with Beaumont emphasizing the need for more experienced leadership in the current situation.

India have shown dominant form in the series thus far, and with the 50-over World Cup scheduled to take place in their home country this autumn, England faces a stern test to turn the series around. Despite the challenges, Beaumont remains optimistic, believing that the pressure will ultimately help the team improve. "We keep talking about how we've wanted more challenge for a long time," said Beaumont. "We are well aware of the fact our results in world tournaments or big series like the Ashes haven't been what we want for a number of years." She added, "That won't improve until we are pushed more in bilateral series, learning from that pressure and getting better each time. It's happened quite early on, and it may have come as a bit of a shock. We want to tackle it head on and not shy away from those issues and hopefully create some momentum to turn that record around."

As England prepares to face India, the team is eager to put their poor Ashes performance and struggles in World Cups behind them. With the added pressure of the upcoming 50-over World Cup, England is determined to prove their mettle and turn the series around.

Related topics: England Women's Cricket Team, India Women's Cricket Team, T20 Cricket

Tags:

#Cricket #England Women's Cricket Team #India Women's Cricket Team #T20 Cricket