Lane hungry for more

Mark Lane and assistant coach Jack Birkenshaw celebrate England's series whitewash over India

After such a fruitful 12 months at the helm of England women’s cricket, few would begrudge coach Mark Lane the opportunity to bask in the tremendous success he and his side have achieved.

The man himself, however, views the astonishing accolades his charges have collected as mere appetisers before the main course: 2009’s mouthwatering international calendar.

That England have swept aside the cream of world cricket since retaining the Ashes in Australia in February is a source a great pride for Lane, but he is under no illusions as to the challenges that lie ahead in the new year.

First, England will undertake the test of a World Cup they head into as favourites in Australia in March, before they return home for the World Twenty20 that runs concurrently with the men’s competition in June.

After that is the task of retaining the Ashes against an Australia side still smarting from their defeat earlier this year.

“It’s a massive challenge, probably near the ultimate. We are heading into it excited rather than scared because we realise how good a squad we have if we play to our full potential,” Lane told ecb.co.uk.

“Firstly, we have got the World Cup. Everyone keeps saying we are favourites but Australia are a very tough side in their own back yard along with the rest of the teams.

“Following that, we will be back on our own turf. We have a framework in place for the players and our girls are really keen on the Twenty20 format.

England women bask in the glory of their stunning one-day success in Australia earlier this year

“Then we have the Ashes to round it all off. Our success this year was my greatest personal memory and retaining them will always stay in my heart.

“I’m sure if you asked any English cricket fan they would say that winning the Ashes is the pinnacle.”

It is this success that has brought Lane and women’s cricket to the fore.

Following that triumph on Australian turf, England embarked on an equally admirable run of form in the summer that began with a series win in New Zealand and ended with a whitewash against India.

Then there were series triumphs against South Africa and West Indies, both of which were again whitewashes.

“Our performances haven`t surprised me because I believe we have some really talented cricketers,” added Lane.

“We have had some fantastic individual displays but it has been the squad’s performance that has pleased me most. We can win from anywhere.”

And with arguably one of the most important periods the women’s game has seen just around the corner, Lane is more than aware of the need for his players to keep their eye in.

He has overseen the move of five of his squad out to Australia already, with the likes of batsman Claire Taylor and young spinner Holly Colvin acclimatising to the style of women’s cricket Down Under.

Claire Taylor is among the England players to head Down Under in preparation for the 2009 World Cup

“We strongly believe if you can create an impact and get that experience of the conditions it bodes well,” Lane explained.

“We are trying to take things forward and not sit back. We are also trying to progress because if we are fortunate enough to taste success at the World Cup we want it to be a continual thing.”

Lane’s point surrounding the success and standard of women’s cricket is one that is still prevalent - and he is adamant that a vigorous women’s game contributes hugely to English cricket as a whole.

“I’ve been involved with the women’s game for around 10 years and we now have more exposure,” he continued.

“There are more clubs, and counties are taking it more seriously. The ECB, who have always taken it very, very seriously and given us full backing, are now seeing the benefits and importance of a successful women’s team.”

It is this professional approach that leads Lane to believe the women’s game in this country is in great shape heading into the defining challenges in 2009.

And with so much already achieved, he and his side appear resolute in their quest for more success.

“Trust me, they won’t rest on their laurels,” he stressed. “We are always trying to find improvement and the girls want to get better every day. Whether it’s fitness or something technical, all the girls want to get improve.

“I don’t have to try and drum them into going to the gym and telling them the benefits; they realise what a big thing the World Cup, the World Twenty20 and the Ashes are.”