Mumbai: Having led the West Indies to their maiden ICC Women`s World Cup final, skipper Merissa Aguilleira today said her team has a psychological edge over Australia in tomorrow`s summit clash after their shock eight-run win over the same opponents in the last Super Six stage game.
"We will have a psychological advantage over them. I must say, for that game, everything went wrong for us in the morning. We had a few players falling ill and one of the players got injured and had to pull out at the last minute," said Aguilleira on the eve of the day-night final to be held at the Brabourne Stadium tomorrow.
"I think it was God who saw us through that game and we are really thankful for it. It`s a big accomplishment for us and we have to grab hold of it," she said
The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter said winning the trophy would mean a lot for the people back home.
"It would mean so much for them that we can bring home this trophy. We believe, once we keep ourselves in order and really bring forth our A game, that will be possible for them," she said.
She conceded that the five-time champions Australia would be a tough team to beat and the Caribbean side will have to bring out their best game.
"Well, its good that we have seen them. The more we see them, the better idea we will have how they play. I guess it is more for us to analyse.
"It will be on the lines of us to bowl them and really accomplish something big for the people of the
Caribbean as well. I guess it is good opportunity to play against them again. They are wonderful team so we definitely have to bring out our A game," Aguilleira said.
West Indies could be the world`s number one women`s cricket team if they win tomorrow and Aguilleira said her side has nothing to lose.
"It is the best feeling. We have nothing to lose right now. We have gained everything but yes it will be good to know that we could actually get the trophy under the West Indies shorts," she said
Aguilleira said this time the team was competing on equal terms with the rest whereas four years ago they made up the numbers.
"We have played good cricket and we have been believing in ourselves. Words can`t explain the way I am feeling and we have come from a long week. I had earlier mentioned, in 2009 we just took part in the World Cup and this time we are competing and here we are today in the final," said the Windies captain.
"We have been really working hard and I must compliment the Board as well for investing in the cricket in West Indies.
"The main thing about West Indies cricket is that this is the only thing that brings the countries together. I guess the more we go out and represent, the better it is for us. It is about representing and being good ambassadors," she added.
Summing up her side`s performance in the tournament so far, she said, "This tournament has been a roller coaster for us. Ups and downs but I guess that is where the true spirit lies, where we can comeback. You think that you would see ourselves through. We have faith in God and he carried us through this situation.
"I must say we have stuck together as a team and motivated each other. Sri Lanka came from nowhere and played extremely good game of cricket, and I must compliment them on that. It was definitely a big plus for us getting here and we are going to make full use of the opportunity."
On the Brabourne Stadium track for the game, she said, "I must say this wicket is a bit faster. It is better for batting, even though we had some good scores at MIG. We have a good record there and love playing at that ground. This is a good pitch and we have to make full use of it tomorrow."
Asked about a plan for Australian pace spearhead Ellyse Perry, who is expected to be fit for tomorrow`s game, she said, "We know that she can be a really dangerous player. But I believe young player Holly Ferling is a Perry in disguise.
"I think after seeing her, we have an understanding of Perry, of how she plays and what she does. In lines of bounce, she is more of the aggressive player. So I guess we can learn from what we have experienced and take it into facing Perry as well, she added."
PTI
First Published: Saturday, February 16, 2013, 16:58