The head coach of England women, Charlotte Edwards has urged patience and calm following her team’s defeat in T20 series to India, saying the team is transition and focused on long term progress.
India scored a 3-1 series win with a commanding six-wicket victory at Old Trafford, displaying England’s inconsistencies ahead of the final match of the five game series. The outcome follows a period of upheaval for England, who are reconstructing under Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt after a disappointing winter that included an early T20 World Cup exit and a 16-0 Ashes whitewash.
“We are a team on a journey,” Edwards told Sky Sports. “It’s not going to happen overnight. As long as we are looking to get better, I am not going to panic.”
Edwards said that the match against India had provided valuable lessons, specifically in revealing how players respond under pressure – an experience that will play a vital role in the next year’s T20 World Cup.
Fielding remains a key area of concern, with several dropped catches hurting England throughout the match. Edwards described performances in the field as “really disappointing,” though she highlighted Charlie Dean’s brilliant catch at The Oval as a positive sign.
The bowling attack was one bright spot, with young seamers Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, and Issy Wong showing promise, alongside experienced spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
Attention now turns to the upcoming three-match ODI series, which serves as preparation for the 50-over World Cup in India and Sri Lanka this autumn. Edwards hopes for a stronger showing in the longer format.
She also credited India’s fast development to their participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), which has offered regular exposure to high- pressure matches in front of large crowds. Edwards believes domestic competitions like The Hundred must be leveraged similarly in England.
“We’ve come up against one of the best teams in the world,” she said. “Everything is done behind the scenes to help us to be better. We’ve got to be realistic and keep our aim on the bigger picture.
Source: BBC