Anya Shrubsole has relished the opportunity to lead the England Women bowling attack in the absence of the injured Katherine Brunt.
With a back problem sidelining Brunt for some time, Shrubsole stepped up to the plate and became a leading performer for her country.
The 22-year-old seamer was an integral member of Charlotte Edwards’ double Ashes-winning side and was named player of the tournament at April’s World Twenty20.
Ahead of facing India and South Africa later this summer, Shrubsole told ecb.co.uk:“When Katherine is in the team she is the leader of the attack so I do look to try and take that on in her absence.
“As a group I think we all have that responsibility and we have done quite well. It has been good recently to nail down a position in the team and play an important role.”
The Somerset player took 15 wickets in two multi-format Ashes series before starring at the World T20 in Bangladesh, snaring 13 scalps in six matches as England finished runners-up to Australia.
When asked if they were the best days of her career, Shrubsole - who also had to overcome a couple of niggling injuries - replied: “Definitely. Winning back-to-back Ashes in such a short period of time and reaching the final of the World Twenty20 in such a short period of time is unprecedented.
“It has been a highlight of my career for sure. I think if you told us eight or nine months ago that we would win both Ashes and go to the World Cup final then we would have taken that for sure.”
Despite her fine performances, Shrubsole is keeping her feet on the ground due to the amount of fellow youngsters emerging through the ranks.
She added: “There is so much talent at the moment. We saw (Rebecca) Grundy come in at the World Twenty20 and do well on her first tour and Kate Cross was impressive during the Ashes in Australia.
“Competition for places is a good thing and it does make you work harder.”