Charlotte Edwards excited about New Zealand tour
Thursday 25th December 2014
Kent and England captain Charlotte Edwards admits she is looking forward to returning home to step up preparations for the tour to New Zealand in February.
The 35-year-old is nearing the end of her three-month stint as captain of Western Fury in the Australian Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) and is excited about the New Zealand tour.
England will play a five-match One Day International series and three-match T20 International series over 17 days, starting on February 11.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Edwards said: “It’s been a great Christmas Day, very different from home but I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. I’m home on January 5th and then I have three weeks of preparation for the team before we fly out to New Zealand.
“There is not much rest, but it’s been a great time for me here. I’ve had lots of time not only to play cricket but also to relax. I feel mentally and physically fresh and I’m looking forward to returning home.
“I’ve been out here nearly three months now playing in the domestic competition. It’s coming to an end now as we have one more round of games to go and I’m looking forward to coming home now and beginning preparations for the New Zealand tour in February.”
Fellow England cricketers Sarah Taylor and Heather Knight are also taking part in the WNCL and Edwards hopes more can follow suit and play domestic cricket in Australia in the future.
“I wanted to come out here and test myself against some of the best players in the world,” she said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and it has been a great competition and it’s something that hopefully in years to come many of the England girls can come over and experience.”
Edwards admits she is also looking forward to the challenge of retaining The Ashes against Australia later next year which will be shown live on Sky Sports HD including the Kia Test at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on August 11-14.
“To come to Australia is a difficult proposition for any England team and to win here (in January 2014) was fantastic. I think that will live with me for a long time.
“We have a big tour to New Zealand in February and then The Ashes in July and August. It doesn’t come any bigger than that for us as a team and hopefully we can perform well and retain The Ashes.”
Entry to the Women's Ashes Kia Test Match is included in Kent All Rounder and Championship Plus Memberships and an option for Six Pack package holders.