\n<\/p>\n
But all is not rosy and the pain of defeat was evident when Edwards spoke post-match.<\/p>\n
After a run of five single-figure scores in seven matches at this World Cup, the time has come for England to find a successor to wicketkeeper Amy Jones.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old’s glovework has rarely been in doubt but she has two centuries in 260 matches and was unable to deliver in a free role at the top of the order here.<\/p>\n
Pressure on her place would have come sooner but for a scarcity of options, with Surrey’s Kira Chathli, 26, or Lancashire’s Ellie Threlkeld, 27, the next in line without building a compelling case.<\/p>\n
The bold move would be to invest in Capsey, who was England’s back-up keeper here and is highly regarded for her skills but has not kept regularly since Under-17 cricket. <\/p>\n
That would allow the immensely talented Davina Perrin to come in as opener alongside Danni Wyatt-Hodge – this tournament’s leading run-scorer aged 35. <\/p>\n
Eighteen-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman, part of this squad but not picked, should now also be given a run.<\/p>\n
By reaching this final England repositioned themselves as the second best team in the world behind Australia. That was once a given but was no longer the case after three underwhelming World Cups since their previous final in 2022. <\/p>\n
Rather ominously, in her news conference, Australia captain Sophie Molineux said her side has not “reached any ceiling”.<\/p>\n
Praised for being a “people person” by all-rounder Ellyse Perry and, shown by her lycra-wearing aerobics instructor alter-ego, external<\/span><\/a>, more relaxed than her predecessors Meg Lanning or Alyssa Healy, it may be that Molineux is the perfect captain for this experienced group in green and gold.<\/p>\n If so, that would add even more difficulty to the challenge awaiting Edwards.<\/p>\n