Shrubsole Leaves Proteas On Knees

Shrubsole Leaves Proteas On Knees

All 13 responsible for the drama witnessed that very moment on the Bristol County Ground had tears in their eyes. Only two were happy: England’s Jenny Gunn and Anya Shrubsole, who, in their own ways, have been through a lot.

Shrubsole came into the World Cup not 100 per cent fit. On the eve of England’s group match against Sri Lanka at Taunton – her home ground – she pulled up lame with an ankle knock. Nevertheless, she played.

In the first innings of the semi-final, in which South Africa posted 218 from their 50 overs, Shrubsole put on her best display of the tournament, bowling with immense control to return figures of 1-33.

It was the first time she had bowled her full allocation of 10-overs, too.

Gunn, who debuted in 2004, has fulfilled every role asked of her and done it with the quiet, methodical, understated manner of an accountant with agoraphobia.

Her longevity has been tested but she remains an integral part of the bowling line-up. Yet here she was with the bat, winning a game for her country.

When she came to the crease, Katherine Brunt had been dismissed, with 46 needed from the final 46 balls. It should never have been so tight.

England were coasting: a Sarah Taylor half-century – her third score above fifty this World Cup – was setting them on their way.