England Women beat India at Canterbury in 1st NatWest Women’s International T20.
Tuesday 26th June 2012
England Women beat India by 33 runs at Canterbury today in the 1st NatWest Women’s International T20.
Sarah Taylor modestly reflected on a “brilliant team performance” after playing a starring role for England women in their 33-run win over India women in the first NatWest International T20 at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury.
Taylor cracked 69 from 49 deliveries and shared 104 with Laura Marsh as the hosts posted 137 for five en route to a comfortable victory that puts them 1-0 ahead in the two-match series.
England’s wicketkeeper preferred to focus on the efforts of others, however, and said: “It was a brilliant team performance from the girls today. We wanted to put a marker down first game and we did that.”
Taylor was particularly impressed by England’s performance in the field, which featured three catches from a typically flawless Lydia Greenway.
“We pride ourselves on our fielding; Lydia was brilliant taking three catches which were all superb,” Taylor added.
“Credit to our bowlers as well, they put India under pressure. We're looking forward to taking momentum into the game at Chelmsford on Thursday.”
Taylor’s own innings featured a series of impressive strokes down the ground and through cover.
“I’ve been working with (England women coach) Mark (Lane) to hit straight and over extra, which you saw today,” she explained on Sky Sports.
“There was quite a nice slope and the wind was going in that direction so it worked for me.
“It was great to contribute; I really enjoyed batting out there today.”
“It was brilliant to bat with Laura and I think the whole team did brilliantly today so it’s a nice start to the series.”
England captain Charlotte Edwards, who saw her own innings cut short when she was somewhat harshly adjudged lbw for one, hailed Taylor’s display.
“She’s exceptional. I love watching her bat and that’s why I believe she’s the best batter in the world,” said the skipper.
“With an innings like that today she can take the game away from the opposition.
“We didn’t get off to the best of starts but it was fantastic how we accelerated at the right time. I thought Laura batted well with Sarah.
“Our running was also exceptional. We’re a fit bunch and I think that showed.”
Edwards’ opposite number, Mithali Raj, admitted her team could learn lessons from England’s all-round display.
“In one way it is very good that we are playing the best side in the world because we will learn a lot watching them play,” said Raj.
“We know where we stand and what we need to do. I think we will probably have a lot of thinking to do before the next game.”
England 137-5 (Sarah Taylor 69, Laura Marsh 41). India 104-8 (Mithali Raj 26, Katherine Brunt 2-21)
England will play the 2nd NatWest Women’s T20 at Chelmsford on Thursday 28th June.
Report by Chris Devine – ECB
Photo Sarah Ansell SarahCanterbury.com