South Africa v England: Heather Knight’s side look to bounce back from World Cup disappointment

Whether England want to admit it or not, they have a point to prove.

Just over a month after their disastrous group-stage exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup, Heather Knight’s side are in South Africa for a multi-format series, which is followed by the Women’s Ashes in Australia in January.

The first of three T20s starts on Sunday (12:00 GMT), followed by three one-day internationals and then a four-day Test begins on 15 December.

It is a quick turnaround from such a disappointing World Cup campaign but seamer Kate Cross, who is in the ODI and Test squads, feels that will benefit England.

“Years ago, if you were knocked out of a World Cup, you had to wait until your summer to play cricket again and prove yourself,” Cross told BBC’s No Balls podcast.

“But I feel like cricket has been back on our horizon so quickly after that, against the team who lost the final, so we know we’ve got a chance to measure ourselves against a really strong team in their own conditions and you’re back in the fight straight away.”

The fallout from the World Cup was possibly the harshest that an England women’s side has faced, a stark reminder of the increased scrutiny and expectation that comes with the privilege of being a professional athlete.

The team’s fitness was questioned, alongside their off-field activities and social media presence.

Knight and head coach Jon Lewis rejected the accusations and understandably defended their team, but acknowledged their need to improve in pressure moments – though that is something they have been saying for almost two years.

Against South Africa, finalists of said World Cup, England have a chance to change these perceptions before entering the Ashes pressure cooker.