Lane seeks improvement

Nicola Shaw takes the credit after taking a catch off Jenny Gunn's bowling

View photo story

Coach Mark Lane was in a bitter-sweet mood after watching England seal the NatWest Women's Series against South Africa.

While understandably delighted after assuming a 3-0 lead in the five-match series following a comfortable win in Shenley, Lane was far from impressed with his batters who sold their wickets so cheaply that Bargain Hunt's David Dickinson would have had a field day.

"I'm chuffed to bits we have won the series," Lane told ecb.co.uk.

"But I'm not 100 per cent satisfied with the performance. Apart from Lydia Greenway, who batted brilliantly, and Ebony Rainford-Brent, the batters did not read the situation. There were no substantial partnerships.

"We have gone from scoring 310 at Lord's to being bowled out for 185. It's really brought us back down to earth, which might be a good thing. It gives us things to work on."

Most of the squad have made valuable contributions during England's dominant performances.

With Greenway and Rainford-Brent showing form with the bat in the latest victory, spin duo Laura Marsh and Holly Colvin then combined to take seven of the wickets which fell.

Lydia Greenway scored a fine unbeaten 61

At Lord's Caroline Atkins and Sarah Taylor made centuries while Katherine Brunt took 5-25. It was Claire Taylor's turn to shine in the opening game of the series, her rapid 83 setting up a 121-run victory.

"People are making an impression," said Lane. "When we get to the World Cup it's important to have a number seven batter who has scored an international half-century, or a fifth bowler who has taken international wickets."

With that in mind, Lane will make further changes ahead of Thursday's fourth ODI which also takes place at Shenley.

"I want to give everyone in the squad a game," he added. "But we will still be trying to win the series 5-0 - that would give everyone confidence especially with the World Cup next year."