It will not be easy for England in the final against us: Mithali Raj

Derby, July 21: Ahead of the ICC Womens' World Cup final against England, India captain Mithali Raj said the hosts would have it tough against her outfit.

"As a team we are all very excited to be part of the final. We knew that this tournament wasn't going to be easy but the way the girls have turned up at every situation when the team needed, whether it was the batters or bowlers," said Raj.

"It isn't going to be easy for England. But it will come down to how we perform on that day. We really have to work on our planning and strategy because England have also peaked after being defeated by us in the first game.

"They have performed well in the run-up to the final, so playing a host in their own country is going to be a challenge. But saying that this unit is up for it," she said.

Praising Harmanpreet's innings, Mithali said: "Harman's innings was exceptional. Bowlers have done really well. Jhulan have comeback into her rhythm and Shikha also bowled well and spinners have also done a good job. This unit looks compact now. After losing we made a comeback against New Zealand and winning a semifinals against Australia is a huge achievement."

Harmanpreet had suffered cramps on Thursday (July 21) and asked if she would be available for the summit clash, Mithali said: "I am sure she would want to be a part of the playing XI that is going to the World Cup final at Lords. All of us are raring to be a part of that atmosphere and it is a once in a life time opportunity to be part of the final," she said.

"If we can pull it off in the final, it will be a big thing in India. It will be the kind of revolution in women's cricket in India. Everybody has emphasised that we need to win an ICC tournament, so this is the stage and this is the platform. I probably wouldn't have a word to describe it."

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