We must play without fear - Edwards

_{England captain Charlotte Edwards spoke to ECBtv after the provisional 18-player squad was named}

Charlotte Edwards believes keeping the nucleus of England’s World Cup-winning squad intact will boost the chances of the hosts winning the World Twenty20.

England have made only three changes to the 15-man squad that carried the World Cup home from Australia - Georgia Elwiss, a fast bowler from Staffordshire, and two off-spinners, Danielle Hazell of Yorkshire and Sussex’s Rosalie Birch.

“We’ve tried to keep the nucleus of the World Cup squad together,” Edwards told ECBtv. “We’ve got a good, sound squad there.

“We’ve prided ourselves on keeping consistency in selection. People are very clear on their roles, and I think it’s been one of the biggest factors in our success."

Edwards’ side may have swept all before them in women’s cricket’s flagship event, but the Kent all-rounder says this summer’s World Twenty20, with a combined men’s and women’s finals day, will propel the women’s game higher into the public consciousness than ever before.

“This is the biggest occasion for women’s cricket so far. I know the team are looking forward to it, having the momentum from Australia.

“I enjoy Twenty20 - I average over 50 - no fear of failure comes into Twenty20.

“A few days after the World Cup myself and coach Mark Lane had forgotten about it and were preparing for the T20.

“We can’t rest on our laurels because this could potentially be the biggest yet for England’s cricket team.”