The concern for England is that their problems against spin are not new and this World Cup already looks like it is going to be a trial by slow bowling.
The gameplan for bowlers in Sharjah is pretty simple: bowl slow and bowl straight. Across both games at the ground on Saturday, only 61 runs were scored from 93 balls that would have hit the stumps, with seven wickets falling.
The solution to overcoming such tactics is one England will probably not enjoy hearing – copy an Australian!
Saturday was also the defending champions’ first outing and they suffered a stutter of their own, losing four wickets while chasing just 94.
However, opener Beth Mooney delivered a masterclass in adapting to the conditions – staying patient, but getting the job done.
Mooney struck four fours in her unbeaten 43 but was proactive against Sri Lanka’s bowlers, scoring 21 from just nine balls when using her feet and ensuring Australia never got bogged down – they had a dot-ball percentage of 37% compared to England’s 46%.
Australia also ran nine twos in the oppressive 36 degree heat of the afternoon sun, compared to England’s six from 10 fewer deliveries against spin.
Mooney, drenched in sweat and wearing an ice pack on her neck at each break in play, demonstrated impressive fitness levels in the scorching heat. Precision of shot prevailed over power.
Knight noted in her post-match interview that “it won’t always be beautiful or sexy”. Mooney showed just that.
In contrast, England were uncertain about whether to stick or twist, with wickets falling from miscued reverse sweeps, a couple of charges down the pitch and two stumpings.
There is no need to panic but this was an unconvincing opening effort by England.
If they are to dethrone the serial winners from down under, who have won six of the last seven iterations of this competition, they need to channel their inner Australia – no matter how much it stings.
