ICC Women's World Cup: Five players who might be featuring in their last World Cup

The 11th edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup is underway with tournament favourites England taking on India in the inaugural match of the competition at Derby.

The iconic tournament promises to provide a month’s worth of entertainment for millions of cricket fans as the top eight teams in the women's circuit, battle it out for the coveted trophy.

However, the emotions of a few players in this tournament will be running high as they might be featuring for one final time in this showpiece event.

Also read: ICC Women's World Cup 2017: Six survivors from the last World Cup

Here is a list of five players who might be making their final appearance at the world event:

#5 Jhulan Goswami

The tall medium pacer from Bengal is one of the stalwarts of the Indian women’s team. Making her debut against England in the year 2002 at Chennai, Goswami made steady strides in her international career.

One of the fastest bowlers in the women’s circuit, she makes full use of her height to generate steep bounce off the surface and trouble the batters. The former captain of the Indian women’s team, Goswami is currently the highest wicket-taker in the history of ODIs with 185 wickets.

The 34-year-old is currently in the twilight of her career, and this World Cup will be her last chance to win the trophy that has eluded her for years.

#4 Jenny Gunn

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 21: Jenny Gunn of England bats during the 3rd T20 International match between South Africa and England at Wanderers Stadium on February 21, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) — Jenny Gunn will be hoping for a World Cup victory on home soil

Jenny Gunn made her debut for the England team at the age of 17 in a Test match against New Zealand at Scarborough in 2004. Since then, the all-rounder has been one of the mainstays in the lineup for her national side.

Batting in the lower middle order for the team, Gunn has produced some memorable knocks for England, ensuring many famous wins for her side. After playing a pivotal role in the 2009 World Cup campaign for England, an unfortunate injury before the finals ruled her out of the summit clash against New Zealand.

Although England were crowned champions of the tournament, she was forced to watch the action from the sidelines as her team scripted a well deserved four-wicket victory in the game.

The 31-year-old is a vital cog in the playing XI of the England team, and her all-around exploits will be crucial for the fortunes of the side. Gunn will be looking to draw curtains on an illustrious career with a famous World Cup victory on home soil.

#3 Shashikala Siriwardene

CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Shashikala Siriwardene of Sri Lanka batts Women's plays the cover drive during the ICC women's world cup warm up match between England Women's and Sri Lanka on June 19, 2017 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) — The former captain of Sri Lanka in action during a warm-up match

The former skipper of the Sri Lankan team is making a comeback into the national side after a long layoff due to injury. The all-rounder is undoubtedly one of the best players Sri Lanka have ever produced, with over 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the international circuit.

The right-handed middle-order batter is the second highest run scorer for Sri Lanka and will shoulder the bulk of the responsibility with the bat in the upcoming tournament.

Despite missing a majority of the matches in the last season, Siriwardene crafted her way back into the squad on the basis of her experience and all round abilities. Injuries have plagued the 32-year-old throughout her career, and this iconic event will be her last opportunity to help Sri Lanka produce some magic on the world stage.

#2 Alex Blackwell

COFFS HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Alex Blackwell of Australia bats during the women's One Day International match between the Australian Southern Stars and South Africa on November 27, 2016 in Coffs Harbour, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) — One of the most experienced batters in the current line-up of the Australian team

The right-handed batter is the most experienced player in Australia’s current squad. Blackwell has played all her domestic cricket for New South Wales and emerged as of one of the key members of their batting unit in the local competition.

After years of grinding through the first-class level, she made her debut in the Quadrangular series against England in 2003 at Lincoln. Although she did not get many opportunities to showcase her talent in that series, she proved to be a valuable member of the squad in the coming years.

The 33-year-old has featured for the Australian team in 133 matches and has scored 3177 runs at a healthy average of 34.91 in the shorter format of the game. Blackwell's contributions with the bat in the bowler-friendly conditions on offer at England will be crucial for her side as they aim to defend the World Cup title successfully.

#1 Mithali Raj

One of the legends of the modern era, Mithali Raj will be at the helm of affairs for India in this mega event. The 34-year-old will be competing in her fifth World Cup competition, and all the hopes of the Indian team will be pinned on the performance of Raj.

She successfully led the Indian team to the finals of the 2005 edition of the tournament in South aAfrica. Although the team lost in the summit clash to Australia, the campaign is regarded as one of India’s best on the world stage.

Also read: ICC Women's World Cup: Analysing the rise of Mithali Raj since her debut

The right-handed batter is currently the second highest run scorer in the international circuit with over 5,500 runs. She will be keen to turn things around in this edition of the tournament after a dismal outing at home in 2013.

The World Cup in England will be Raj’s last appearance, and she would be keen to end her career on a winning note.