Playing in front of 90,000 fans for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final would be a testament to just how far the sport has come, claims England’s Anya Shrubsole.

The tournament, which kicks off on Friday, culminates with the showpiece at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women’s Day – March 8.

Shrubsole is a key part of England’s bowling attack and has played in almost 150 internationals in all formats since her debut in 2008.

The Somerset seamer was part of the England side who were victorious at the 2017 Women’s World Cup and believes filling the MCG would be an unforgettable experience.

“For all the girls who were at Lord’s at the 2017 World Cup final, that was an incredible experience to be a part of and if they can fill the MCG that would be absolutely amazing,” Shrubsole told the ICC.

“To have that many people watching a women’s cricket final would be record breaking.

“I think it just shows where the women’s game has gone that it is something that is a realistic possibility.”

England begin their campaign on Sunday at the WACA against South Africa and Perth has been a happy hunting ground for many of the side.

The 28-year-old, who was an overseas marquee player for the Perth Scorchers in the second edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, stated her excitement at returning to Western Australia.

“We’ve got a lot of girls actually, who have been at Perth and played a lot at the WACA,” Shrubsole added.

“It will almost feel a little bit like going home for a lot of people. I haven’t been there for about three years.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back there and playing there. As a seamer, you always look forward to a fixture at the WACA.”

As part of preparations for the tournament, England competed in a Tri-Series against hosts Australia and India, where they came away with two wins.

And Shrubsole believes that despite England missing out on the final, the competition will stand them in good stead for the World Cup.

“To have three of the best teams in the world playing plenty of hard-fought, close games was really good preparation leading into this,” Shrubsole added.

“We had the chance to practice a live super over [in a victory over India], which is something that doesn’t happen very often.

“We’re also disappointed, we came out here and we wanted to win it, but all in all, it’s really good preparation.”