ENGLAND'S women have the capability to go all the way in the forthcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, believes Yorkshire manager Jane Hildreth.

The White Rose women’s first-team manager says a repeat of the 2018 final in the West Indies between champions to be Australia and England is the most likely outcome, although Hildreth has insisted that others could spring a surprise.

The Ashes rivals and India, who have all recently played out a competitive tri-series - won by the Aussies, are the strongest sides in the competition running from Friday until March 8.

But Hildreth said: “West Indies on their day can perform and win games, and South Africa have some very strong players.

“There are a few teams who you can’t discount, and I think it’s going to be a really good competition with plenty of interesting group games.

“For me, I suspect it will be an England v Australia final, and hopefully a different result to last time in the Caribbean. That would be a fantastic thing for the work we all do across the country at domestic level and would showcase the county game and the Super League, which has obviously just finished.”

England’s squad includes Yorkshire stars Katherine Brunt and Lauren Winfield, with both playing prominent roles in the tri-series which saw England miss out on the final by virtue of an inferior net run-rate.

Talismanic all-rounder Brunt missed the Caribbean event through injury in late 2018 and also failed to make a single appearance for the Yorkshire Diamonds in last summer’s final edition of the Kia Super League as her workload was managed by England.

Winfield, meanwhile, has been batting down the order in recent times for England - a significantly different role to the opening berth she has held for the Diamonds throughout her KSL career.

“Having missed the summer playing in the Super League when she was desperate to get back playing, Katherine will be ready and raring to go,” said Hildreth.

“She will be going all out to win that trophy, no doubt.

“Lauren will bat wherever as long as she’s playing. When she’s played for the Diamonds, we’ve asked her to open the batting, a role she’s performed very well. She’s now down the order but has got some quick runs when needed.

“You’d hope she will get moved up when the chance arises, but she still has a crucial role to play in her present position because the game could be on the line when she comes in.”

England are in Group B - there are only two groups in the 10-team tournament - alongside South Africa, the West Indies, Pakistan and minnows Thailand. Their first game is against South Africa on Sunday from Perth (11am UK).

Australia, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh make up Group A, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

This is the seventh edition of the T20 World Cup, with England winning the first on home soil in 2009, Australia winning four titles and the West Indies one.

“It’s great to see Thailand in that competition,” said Hildreth. “For their players, none of whom we know, wow, what an opportunity! Any chance to further grow the game is great.”

On Friday, hosts Australia open the competitions against India in Sydney (8am UK). All games are being televised on Sky Sports.