England’s women’s cricket team will face new minimum fitness standards ahead of the home T20 World Cup next year, introduced by new head coach Charlotte Edwards.
Edwards spoke about the changes before her first match in charge, the opening T20 International against West Indies in Canterbury. She took over after England’s heavy 16-0 Ashes defeat, which led to the departure of former coach Jon Lewis and the removal of Heather Knight as captain.
One major issue Edwards aimed to address was the squad’s fitness. England’s performance, especially fielding, suffered during their last T20 World Cup match against West Indies in October. England lost that game by six wickets, dropped five catches, and were eliminated at the group stage, while West Indies advanced. Knight was injured during the match, and the West Indies batters, including captain Hayley Matthews, scored heavily.
The loss also revealed leadership weaknesses. Nat Sciver-Brunt became the only clear replacement for Knight as captain after her long tenure. Edwards has made further changes to the batting order and bowling attack, focusing on the Powerplay and death overs.
For the upcoming West Indies series, Sciver-Brunt will lead a rotating leadership group including Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, and Sophia Dunkley. Jones previously stood in as captain during Knight’s injury in 2022.
Edwards said fitness would be a priority, but she is focusing first on individual improvement. “I’m not going to set fitness standards yet because none existed before. But by this time next year, players will need to meet minimum fitness standards,” she said. She praised the players’ current effort and attitude toward fitness.
Squad selections have been made with new national selector Lydia Greenway and officials Clare Connor and Jonathan Finch. Edwards requires England contracted players to compete in the first seven rounds of domestic cricket, aiming to raise standards.
Emma Lamb returned to the ODI squad after topping domestic run charts, replacing Maia Bouchier. Issy Wong rejoined the T20 bowling attack, and Emily Arlott was named in both squads, potentially making her international debut. Wong has recently regained form after difficulties following the 2023 WPL, where she played under Edwards. Arlott impressed with 14 wickets and a century in domestic one-day cricket this season.
Sophie Ecclestone is currently sidelined due to a knee injury from the WPL and is not part of the West Indies series. Edwards highlighted death bowling as a key area for improvement and expressed optimism about Wong and Arlott’s contributions.
Despite West Indies missing top players Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry after a failed World Cup qualifying campaign, Edwards warned against underestimating them. She stressed the importance of fielding and energy, as England prepares for a 50-over World Cup in India later this year and the T20 World Cup next year.
Edwards also plans to bring in specialist consultant coaches. Australian Luke Williams, head coach of Adelaide Strikers and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been appointed for the West Indies series. Williams has worked with Edwards previously in various roles.
This fresh approach aims to improve England’s performance, fitness, and leadership as they build toward major international tournaments.
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