Heartbreaking defeat to Australia last year made this win possible, says England

England captain Heather Knight said a heart-breaking defeat by Australia last year had been the "making of the team" after their dramatic Women's World Cup final win over India at Lord's on Sunda

England captain Heather Knight with the trophy. Pic/Getty Images

England captain Heather Knight said a heart-breaking defeat by Australia last year had been the "making of the team" after their dramatic Women's World Cup final win over India at Lord's on Sunday.

India looked on course for a maiden World Cup title on the same ground where their men's side, led by Kapil Dev, won a first World Cup trophy back in 1983. But from 191 for three, chasing 229 to win, they lost their last seven wickets for 28 runs and finished on 219 all out as England won by nine runs with eight balls to spare.

Anya Shrubsole did the damage with a stunning spell of five wickets for 11 runs in 19 deliveries on her way to figures of six for 46 — the best return by any bowler in a Women's World Cup final. It was almost a mirror image of last year's Women's World Twenty20 semi-final in Delhi. England were 89 for one, chasing 133, but then lost six wickets for 28 runs before being held to a total of 127 for seven in a five-run loss.

Robinson changed it all
Afterwards, then recently-appointed England women's coach Mark Robinson, a former county-level pace bowler, slammed England's fitness levels. And when the team returned home, Robinson also effectively forced long-serving captain Charlotte Edwards into international retirement, saying England had become dangerously over-reliant on the star batsman.

Sunday's victory was certainly evidence of England's increased speed between the wickets and in the field.

"I can't stop smiling," said Knight, who succeeded Edwards as England captain.

"I am so proud of this group of girls. We made it hard for ourselves but I couldn't care less. We won tight games and that was something we wanted to work on," added Knight, whose side beat reigning champions Australia by three runs in pool play.

Thanks to Delhi defeat
"Back in Delhi was a long time ago but it was the making of this team. Anya Shrubsole — what a hero."

While Punam Raut was making 86, India looked as if they would repeat their opening pool win over England. But her exit, lbw to Shrubsole, sparked a collapse that saw England win their first major trophy since 2009. Victory also gave England a fourth World Cup title in 11 editions and third in the three staged on their home soil.

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