Some of England's star young players have revealed their excitement ahead of next year's ICC Women's World Cup.
England head to the event as one of the favourites after an excellent six-month period where they won the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 1934, drew an ODI series with Australia 2-2 and comprehensively beat New Zealand and the West Indies in the 50-over format. Six England players will be basing themselves in Australia prior to the tournament to ensure optimum preparation ahead of the competition.
One of the stars of the side is opening bowler Isa Guha, who claimed her second five-wicket ODI haul against the West Indies at Loughbrough last week, and she believes that England's form is progressing nicely ahead of the tournament.
"We have a lot of cricket coming up in the next six months including the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia which is something we have been working towards for the last four years. It is the ultimate tournament in women's cricket and one that we believe we can win," said Guha.
"As a team we have progressed in all facets of the game and have gained valuable experience since the last world cup. We are currently working well as a unit and with competition for places we are being challenged all the time. As individuals we continually strive to put in match-winning performances and as a team we are in the best position leading up to this exciting global competition."
Wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor, who is quickly becoming regarded as one of the key talents in the women's game, also cannot wait to build on the positive form of recent months.
"I'm genuinely excited about next year's ICC Women's World Cup. It's a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against the best in the world at a high-profile women's cricket tournament," said Taylor.
"From a personal point of view I want to continue to prove myself on the field throughout this summer to ensure I am fully prepared for the World Cup.
"On the back of a highly successful tour last winter we'll look to dominate in all three series this summer so that we're seen as a team to beat next year."
