England have been found wanting on two fronts over the last 12 months: fielding and fitness.
But the day before their Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against South Africa, Alice Capsey insists the team have been able to “rewrite the narrative”.
A little over a year ago, England wilted under pressure and dropped five catches off a single batter as they exited the T20 World Cup in the group stage.
The team’s fitness was then repeatedly questioned during the 16-0 Ashes humiliation at the start of the year. It was a conversation that was set in motion a few months previously when former England international Alex Hartley said some of the members of the side were not up to required fitness standards. Sophie Ecclestone then refused an interview with her former team-mate during the Ashes.
As concerns grew, then head coach Jon Lewis made the ill-fated comment that the Australians had superior “athleticism” because of their warmer climate – observed, of course, on a walk between Bondi and Coogee.
When Charlotte Edwards took over in March, she pledged to address both those concerns that had followed the team around over the preceding months like a spectre that could not be banished.
Months later, and just two matches away from what would be a first major trophy since 2017, England are a different outfit.
“I think one of the talking points was the fielding, and after the Ashes it was the fitness,” Capsey tells Telegraph Sport from the team hotel in Guwahati.
“But I think what we’ve shown is just how hard we do work behind the scenes, there were obviously a few question marks around that.
“But I think what’s been really great is to see how much we have been able to rewrite our own narrative in those aspects.”
Difficult year for all-rounder
For Capsey, the year has almost held as many ups and downs as the team’s changing fortunes. After the group-stage exit in Dubai, she was dropped from the T20 squad tour of South Africa and then later recalled because of an injury to Paige Scholfield, but did not play in the three T20s.
She played only one match in Australia, the third T20, and then toured Down Under for a second time with the England A side.
Now firmly back in the side, she has even been given a different opportunity, playing the role of fourth spinner.
“It’s been amazing,” she says. “I’ve always had the ambition to play for England as an all-rounder. But this is probably my first opportunity where I’ve been consistently handed the ball and given a bit more responsibility with the ball.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I had conversations with Lottie [Edwards] at the beginning of the year and we spoke a lot about my bowling and how I want to become more of an all-rounder and it fits with what her vision was for me as well.”
