As the English cricket team embarks on a new chapter, coach Charlotte Edwards is determined to create a competitive edge, one that will propel the team to success in the upcoming T20 World Cup. With a winter clear of international fixtures, Edwards has been able to reflect on the team's progress since she took over last April, and the results are promising.
Edwards inherited a team that was at an all-time low, having suffered a crushing 16-0 defeat in the Ashes and struggling with issues of fitness and professionalism. However, under her guidance, the team has made significant strides, with a renewed focus on individual development plans and a commitment to raising the bar in terms of fitness and fielding standards. Setting clear professional standards has been a key aspect of Edwards' approach, and the results are already beginning to show.
"We were the best fielding team in the World Cup, and to turn that around as quickly as we did from the Ashes is testament to the hard work the group has put in and the coaches as well," Edwards says.
Despite the progress made, the team's defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup was a setback, and Edwards was quick to acknowledge that the team still had work to do. Looking to the future has become a mantra for Edwards, and this winter has provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. With senior players away at the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia, Edwards has been working with a new crop of players, including those from the Under-19s and other up-and-coming talent.
Edwards has arranged three training camps over the coming months, the first of which takes place in Oman, where a number of young players will have the chance to impress. The likes of Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Rhianna Southby, and Charis Pavely will all be in attendance, alongside more experienced players such as Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, and Lauren Filer. These training camps will provide a unique opportunity for Edwards to assess the talent at her disposal and make informed decisions about the team's future.
As Edwards looks to the future, she is aware that deciding when to introduce new players can be a difficult decision, especially with a World Cup looming. However, she is committed to creating a competitive edge, where every player feels they have a chance to make the team. It's not just about the current crop of players; Edwards is looking to create a sustainable future for English cricket, one that will see the team thrive for years to come.
"I spoke to the players the other day about that. I said everyone in this room is in contention of playing at a World Cup. It doesn't matter if you're 18 or 35, if you're good enough, you'll get an opportunity," Edwards says.
As the team prepares for the T20 World Cup, Edwards' approach is one of cautious optimism. She knows that there is still work to be done, but she is confident that the team is on the right track. With a renewed focus on fitness and fielding, and a commitment to giving young players a chance, England may just be on the verge of a new era of success.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
