England women’s history-making captain Charlotte Edwards was quick to refocus her energies on winning another series against New Zealand, amid the celebrations of today’s five-wicket victory and her personal achievement.
Edwards’ 200th game as England captain was capped with a superb performance in the final Twenty20 versus the White Ferns, as the series was sealed 2-1.
Thoughts have to quickly turn to the remaining two one-day internationals, with this series poised at 2-1 in favour of New Zealand, though there is always time to bask in the glory of yet another win as skipper.
“Perfect outcome”, was how Edwards described events coming together on her historic day, before adding: “I think there’s been a lot of hype around my 200th game, but not within our dressing room.
“It’s been about taking the series win and to play in the manner we played today and it’s really pleasing for us as a side.
“The sides have been good in the T20 series. We’ve looked more like the England we know. Today was another sign that we keep getting better throughout this trip.
“With two huge games to come – must-win games to take the ODI series – it’s important that we keep this level of performance up and come here strong on Thursday and Saturday.”
Much of the pre-match expectation had been for Edwards to mark her day with at least a half-century, but it was not to be as she was out for five at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
Instead, the show was led first by the bowlers, who were all among the wickets to end New Zealand’s efforts at 97 for nine, before Heather Knight’s 26 and Lydia Greenway’s 25 helped England home with eight deliveries left.
“Every time I go out to bat I want to score runs,” Edwards said. “Today it wasn’t to be. But most importantly, it was about the win today and it’s been a great day all round.
Immensely proud to have had @Lottie2323 captain me my whole career so far. Here's to many more chief #Lottie200 x pic.twitter.com/9cgBwITD8B
— Katherine Brunt (@KBrunt26) February 24, 2015
“I was pleased to restrict them to 97 and to knock them off in the manner we did. We could have got them slightly earlier but it was just a good solid performance from us today.”
On a day of history making, with Danielle Hazell becoming England’s leading T20 wicket-taker on 64 scalps, Katherine Brunt was not one to leave things low-key either.
She picked up the wicket of Katie Perkins, finished off a strong team bowling performance by conceding just 16 in her four overs, before smashing England home with the only six of their innings.
“Yeah, it wouldn’t be me without trying to hit at least one!” Brunt said, adding: “I came to this tour with a really happy mindset.
“I think that’s really important within team sport for you to be mentally strong as well as physically. I came here happy. It’s seems to be rubbing off on the other players. I had fun!”