Lydia Greenway spoke to ecb.co.uk after England Women won the Ashes in style
Lydia Greenway jokingly admitted she did not know which way to turn as her team-mates poured on to the Ageas Bowl field to celebrate England regaining the Women’s Ashes with a match to spare.
A five-wicket victory over Australia in the second of three Twenty20 internationals - England’s fourth win in a row - secured an unassailable lead for Charlotte Edwards’ team ahead of the series finale at Durham on Saturday.
Greenway was central to today’s success, striking 80 not out to underpin a successful pursuit of 128 that had been in doubt when England slipped to nine for three.
The left-hander’s cultured innings represented a new benchmark for England Women in T20s, surpassing the 77 compiled by Sarah Taylor on Tuesday, and she was understandably mobbed when victory was attained with six balls unused.
“I was actually quite scared,” Greenway told ecb.co.uk with a smile on her face.
“I didn’t know whether to take cover or just run towards them. It was obviously great to see them all coming on with smiles on their faces.”
“We’re quite pleased that we haven’t left it until Durham. It’s nice that we’re going to be flying up to Durham knowing that we’ve already got the Ashes.
“It’s just been a really good team effort throughout the whole series.”
Greenway reflected modestly on her splendid 64-ball knock, studded with 11 fours and countless sweeps of the conventional and reverse variety.
“I was pretty nervous - I’m not going to lie - it’s just nice to have done the job,” she added.
Asked if it was her best innings, she replied: “I think that probably has to be up there, with the situation. I’m just pleased to have contributed and got us over the line.
“It was a bit strange (at nine for three). Throughout the whole series our top order have been firing.
“Unfortunately it didn’t come off today but it’s just nice to know that we’ve got the batters coming in down in the middle order and towards the end to come and do the job.”
England’s triumph is the first since a new multi-format Women’s Ashes was introduced.
“The new format makes it so exciting for the public watching,” Greenway concluded.
“Hopefully it helps generate a bit more interest. I think for women’s cricket it’s a really good step forward.”