Lane bullish ahead of bumper year

_{England women's coach Mark Lane spoke to ECBtv about the fortcoming ICC World Cup in Australia}

England women’s coach Mark Lane insists his players will not be found wanting during “the biggest year” of their careers.

Lane and his charges are well under way with preparations for a hectic 2009 as they chase glory on three fronts.

The World Cup in Australia in March represents the first major hurdle in their treble pursuit, with the inaugural World Twenty20 and the Ashes the highlights of what promises to be a thrilling summer on home soil.

“It’s three different tournaments; it’s three exciting different areas,” Lane told ECBtv, insisting that his players are more than capable of handling a congested fixture schedule.

“We’re focusing firstly on the World Cup, then in June the Twenty20, which is a different game, and then a different challenge in the Ashes and the ODIs against Australia.

“I’m not sure you’re ever going to get tired playing that sort of exciting cricket - the World Cup, World Twenty20 and the Ashes.

Mark Lane points the way forward during a summer of unprecedented success

“It could be the biggest year of most of our lives, so I think we’ll be alright.”

Lane may have been in the job for less than a year, but he has already established himself as the most successful England women’s coach in history.

He helped England retain the Ashes Down Under early last year and masterminded series wins over West Indies, South Africa and India in both one-day and 20-over cricket during a summer in which England did not lose a game.

“I don’t think there’s a secret,” Lane said. “But the players that I work with, the management set-up that we have - everyone is really valued.

“Maybe my personality might have come across into it. Everyone is enjoying themselves, and that’s one of the key areas that I wanted to get across to all the players

“I wanted them to enjoy themselves and it’s been quite successful, so I’m really pleased.”

Though England’s 15-game unbeaten run stretching back to last February justifies their tag as favourites going into the World Cup, Lane begs to differ.

He added: “I would say that Australia would be favourites - in their season.

“New Zealand will be a very, very tough side - very dangerous - and the Indians have got some match-winners in there as well.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a foregone conclusion for anyone, but we’re quietly confident.

"We know our business, our team strategy and we’re all working towards that. We’re really looking forward to it.”