Following a disappointing winter season, including an early exit from the T20 World Cup and a crushing defeat in the Ashes, Charlotte Edwards, the newly appointed head coach of the England Women's Cricket Team, is setting new fitness standards. Edwards, a legendary former captain, is determined to ensure that fitness becomes a non-negotiable aspect of the team's culture.

Fitness Testing and Accountability

Edwards has announced that fitness testing will be conducted next week, allowing her to assess the current fitness levels of the players. "I don't want people talking about the fitness of the England women's cricket team. Fitness is a non-negotiable. We should be fit," Edwards stated in an interview with BBC Sport.

Addressing Past Criticisms

The team's fitness levels have been under scrutiny, especially after former spinner Alex Hartley pointed out that some players were "letting the team down" in terms of fitness. During the Ashes, the lack of athleticism was evident, though former coach Jon Lewis attributed this to cultural differences between the UK and Australia.

A New Approach to Training

Edwards is bringing a more disciplined approach to training, emphasizing honesty and hard work. "If we've got that in place we will move pretty quickly in the right direction," she said. The team will work closely with science and medicine teams to improve fitness standards.

Leadership and Future Plans

With the sacking of former captain Heather Knight, Edwards is looking for a new leader who can command respect and lead by example. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlie Dean are among the potential candidates for the captaincy. Edwards has also decided to have one captain across all formats rather than splitting the role.

Commitment to Excellence

Edwards has left her roles in domestic cricket, including her position as head coach of Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League, to focus entirely on her new role with England. Her appointment follows a review led by England director of women's cricket Clare Connor and performance director Jonathan Finch.

Conclusion

Charlotte Edwards is committed to turning around the fortunes of the England Women's Cricket Team by instilling a culture of fitness, discipline, and hard work. With her leadership, the team aims to regain its competitive edge and achieve success in future tournaments.