Charlotte Edwards, the new head coach of the England Women’s Cricket Team, has dismissed suggestions that recent series defeats against India serve as a “reality check” ahead of the upcoming 50-over World Cup. Edwards officially took over the head coaching job in April. He succeeded the similarly unfortunate Jon Lewis, sacked after a humiliating 16-0 Ashes clean sweep and then an exit in the first phases of a T20 World Cup.
Since her appointment, Edwards has led England to a series victory against the West Indies at the start of the summer. Even so, her tenure has been a difficult one. She endured a close 3-2 loss in the T20 series and a 2-1 series loss in the One Day Internationals (ODIs) to India. Even with these losses, Edwards is confident about what her squad is able to accomplish.
“We are going into a World Cup where we know if we play our best, we can beat any team,” Edwards stated. In this confidence — a confidence that grows exponentially as England prepares for their first match in the World Cup. They next take on South Africa on October 3.
The other major obstacle for the England team has been injuries. All-rounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt has had her own injury troubles with an Achilles niggle and a groin strain. This led to her missing the last two T20 games vs India. Nevertheless, Edwards believes Sciver-Brunt is making progress.
“Nat is crucial but we are not putting pressure on her,” she said regarding Sciver-Brunt’s recovery. Edwards was hopeful that Sciver-Brunt will be fit enough to bowl in time for the World Cup.
Sophie Ecclestone is the player on whom England’s campaign will largely hinge. She’s going to be an important piece of their World Cup run. The team was without seasoned batter Heather Knight for the series against India, making their preparations more challenging.
Edwards conceded that there was an element of truth in the criticism levelled at England’s fielding display. She let her displeasure known about the team’s perception of bad fielding, despite what she sees as good overall performances.
It frustrates me that when we misfield one ball, all of a sudden we’re this horrible fielding team. It definitely feels like it’s unfair, more so because we’ve been super fielding well all around, she commented.
Right now, England’s preparing for the Summer World Cup! They’ll be up against eight other finalist teams from around the country, each competing against every other team once. Only the top four teams will make the semi-finals, adding to the pressure for Edwards and her team.
Edwards on the recent series in India. She admitted the difficulties, but underlined that they are a necessary part of the progression of women’s cricket.
We were hugely tested and that’s what we want women’s cricket to be like,” she added.
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