Edwards eyes world stage

After winning the Women's Ashes, Charlotte Edwards has eyes on next summer

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England Women’s captain Charlotte Edwards can’t wait for next summer’s World Twenty20 – but she knows there is plenty of work to do first.

England have been placed in the same group as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, three tough tests for Edwards' side to make it through to the latter stages.

Edwards led her side on a glorious trip Down Under where they won the Women’s Ashes and beat New Zealand in a one-day series.

However, despite that wonderful winter, the side have a golden opportunity to raise the profile of women’s cricket over the next 12 months, culminating in the World Twenty20.

Unlike other competitions, the women’s and men’s tournament will run side by side with the semi-finals being played on the same day at either The Brit Oval or Trent Bridge. Finals day will run the same way with the champions being crowned at Lord’s.

Fans who buy tickets for the semi-final or final will see both the cream of women’s and men’s cricket.

“This is a great chance to showcase women’s cricket,” said Edwards.

“In January we experienced playing in front of 30,000 at the MCG. To play at Lord’s, The Oval or Trent Bridge in front of these full houses would be a wonderful experience for the team.”

Eight teams will be competing in the competition so Edwards knows England must perform if they are to reach the knock-out stages and play in front of big crowds.

“We have to play good cricket so we are in those finals,” she added.

Taunton, recently labelled the ‘Home of Women’s Cricket’, will host the 12 group games – a decision which pleased Edwards.

“I’m thrilled that Taunton has been chosen for the women’s event,” she said.

“The ground is looking fantastic, I played there on Sunday. It’s been our home in recent years and we have been very successful there. I’m hoping that will continue next year.”