England women’s captain Charlotte Edwards believes her side can take plenty of positives from their NatWest International Twenty20s against Pakistan after yesterday’s double-header at Loughborough ended with honours even.
Sarah Taylor starred with an impressive fifty in the morning encounter, sharing a half-century second-wicket stand alongside Edwards, who plundered 46 from 33 deliveries with seven fours.
That provided the basis for England's 145 for seven, a total that Pakistan did not come remotely close to challenging.
"I think we played really well this morning. That's how we want to play our Twenty20 cricket, we got off to a good start and then I think we bowled extremely well to restrict them to 75 for six, so all went to plan really," said Edwards, who went on to praise the performance of rookie left-armer Natasha Farrant after the debutant starred with 2-15 in a miserly display with the ball.
Farrant was one of four players gaining her maiden T20 cap, together with Amy Jones, Natalie Sciver and Lauren Winfield.
"It was great to see Natasha Farrant really shine on her debut, I was impressed by her and the way she dealt with it all, as did all the other girls," the skipper added.
"That's been a great thing about this tour; we've been able to blood a few new players which is always good for the future.
"They all thoroughly deserve their opportunity following their performances in domestic and super 4s cricket, and I think it's given them an insight into the international game and hopefully an appetite to stay in the team and push on from here."
Pakistan earned afternoon revenge as Nain Abidi and Edwards' opposite number Sana Mir made the significant contributions in 116 for eight, scoring 45 and 31 not out respectively.
England took the opportunity to experiment with their batting order, leaving Arran Brindle, entering the fray a position above her skipper in the unfamiliar position of number eight, to produce some explosive late hitting.
The hosts ultimately fell one run short as Brindle was run out for a quickfire 39 off the final ball, but Edwards was pleased to witness the versatility of her side in action.
"There is a bigger picture here and we knew that going into the second game today," she explained.
"Obviously we go out to win every single game we play, but with what's coming up over the next 12 months there was a real opportunity in the second game to see other players in certain roles.
"Although we lost the game there are positives for us to take, we won't be dwelling on it. For us as a squad there is definitely a bigger picture.
Attentions can now turn towards England women's role in an eagerly anticipated summer of Ashes combat.
Edwards added: "I'm very much looking forward now to the Women's Ashes Series, I know all the players are as well.
"We've got a good few weeks now of preparation now before it all starts at Wormsley on August 11."