Nailbiter for Birkenshaw

Last pair Nicky Shaw and Holly Colvin embrace after their crucial 18-run stand

Buy this photo

View photo story

Jack Birkenshaw, the England women’s assistant coach, praised the decision of superior Mark Lane to bring in Nicky Shaw.

After starring with 4-34 to dismiss New Zealand for 166, Shaw kept her nerve to seal a nailbiting final win over New Zealand at the North Sydney Oval.

The 27-year-old has rarely showed much in the way of batting ability in her international career, but her 17 not out took England to a four-wicket win.

The East Midlands bowler only owed her position in the team to an injury to England’s premier all-rounder Jenny Gunn.

“It was a great game but it was a bit much for the old heart,” Birkenshaw told ecb.co.uk.

“We made it a bit tight didn't we? It became a really good game for the spectator but not for anyone associated with the England team.

“We bowled really well and then at 109 for one were cruising it. We lost our way but the girls kept their nerve and Nicky Shaw did brilliantly well especially as she wasn't going to be in the side.

“It was a brilliant bit of coaching to bring her in. Nicky deserved the player of the match.

“She did something that we were waiting for her to do and she won us the World Cup. Hopefully that will stand her in good stead for the World Twenty20.”

Birkenhsaw, 68, the former England and Leicestershire spinner, was brought in to assist Lane and captain Charlotte Edwards in the build-up to the World Cup.

After a number of years working in English women’s cricket, the Yorkshireman was in a good position to assess the strength of this World Cup-winning team.

“I think the best team won although Australia must be disappointed because they are a good side. All the minnows are getting better so we will have to work hard to retain it now.

“It's good for me and Laney. We have had a good time at the World Cup but it's really special for the girls.”