England hit 22 boundaries in their successful run-chase, beating West Indies with 33 balls remaining in the first game of their T20 World Cup campaign
England's ruthless run-chase against West Indies was the embodiment of the style of cricket that Jon Lewis has looked to implement as head coach, believes Nat Sciver-Brunt.
The allrounder was named as player of the match for her unbeaten 40, helping to steer England to a convincing, seven-wicket victory with 33 balls remaining in their T20 World Cup opener.
She hit seven fours in her 30-ball knock as England plundered 22 boundaries in just 87 deliveries on the way to reeling in West Indies' 135 for 7.
"We know we weren't at our best in the whole of the game a little bit," she said, "but that's the intent and the bravery that we want from every one of our batters. So, we're very happy with that."
Danni Wyatt made 11 in nine balls before holing out to deep cover, while Sophia Dunkley was imperious in hitting four fours and a straight six before being brilliantly caught and bowled by Chinelle Henry. Alice Capsey hit three boundaries in nine balls until she was stumped off Afy Fletcher.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight put on 59 together (Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images)
Sciver-Brunt had Heather Knight for company in a classy unbroken stand of 59 in 7.1 overs, with Knight finishing proceedings by lofting Henry over mid-off for six.
"At the moment, I guess the energy and the feel around the group is probably the best that I've felt," added Sciver-Brunt. "It feels like we're in a really, really good place. I guess we have found a new way of playing and I guess a new mindset. Everyone is capable of playing in that way, but allowing ourselves for it to be okay to fail as well, I guess that freedom has really allowed us to switch a little bit."
Lewis has insisted on an aggressive approach, imploring his players to embrace the danger of that ploy. They are yet to lose under his stewardship and made 246 for 7 in a warmup match against South Africa earlier in the week, playing – and talking about their new attitude – with a sense of enjoyment.
"I guess since Lewis has come on, he's really brought that freedom and allowed us to fail for the success to happen," said Sciver-Brunt.
"And the way that he wants us to play, he believes fully that that can be successful at a T20 World Cup, and all the players are brought into that. So, we're excited."