Smriti Mandhana’s head arched back in frustration. She punched her helmet as she walked back, barely looking up. Just before she was dismissed, the boundaries had dried up for her; she was evidently struggling with cramp and couldn’t quite find the gaps in the field as she had done for the majority of the night.

Her worst fears came true as the match progressed towards its conclusion – India somehow contrived to lose a match – their third in a row this World Cup – they had no business losing. When it came to the crunch, they fell four runs short against England.

In the 42nd over, with the equation reading 55 off 53 balls a memorable and vital win, Smriti decided to take on Linsey Smith down the ground.

Now, Smith is not your regular left-arm spinner. In fact, as former England captain N

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