Keeping the faith

Sarah Taylor's is enjoying the view from the top of the league © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Sarah Taylor's Brighton and Hove side are coasting away at the top of the Women’s Premier League South division - but you won't find them resting on their laurels.

The side are runaway leaders, unbeaten with five wins and currently 24 points ahead of nearest rivals Shepperton.

The England opener believes a combination of lessons learned, individual responsibility and a strong team ethic are the key factors behind the team’s success.

“We have all learned from previous seasons to work more as a team and enjoy each others successes," she told ecb.co.uk. "But at the same time we must be more selfish in doing the job rather than rely on others.

“We are thoroughly enjoying playing cricket with each other and this is showing in our performances.”

The England star is pleased with her own performances so far but thinks there is still room for improvement when occupying the crease.

“I am hitting the ball well but would like to build on my starts to go on and get higher scores," she added. “Personally I was really pleased with my half-century against Shepperton on a very tough wicket.

"As for my 'keeping, I am very happy with it. I am relaxed, moving well and enjoying it. I may have to hand over the gloves after Sara Lord’s diving catch off Katherine Brunt against Portsmouth."

Taylor was quick to identify some of the players who have already played a crucial role this season, singling out some of her England colleagues for special praise.

“Katherine Brunt with the new ball has got out vital batsmen at vital times," she said. "Holly Colvin and Clare Nicholson have done very well in the middle period to slow the run-rate down whilst the batsmen are wondering where their overs are disappearing to.

“With the bat Holly has done extremely well, but everyone has worked with each other and chipped in good scores.”

Impressive performances by other individuals in the division have not been lost on Taylor who believes the standard of the league has improved along with its competitive nature, which can only be good for women’s cricket in England.

"Chelsea Collins, one of our youngsters, has impressed me with her leg-spin. I’m looking forward to seeing how she progresses. Ebony Rainford-Brent from Shepperton is looking a solid and very dangerous batsman.

Taylor takes a diving catch during the Australia trip

Buy this photo

“Each year the standard of women’s cricket rises, this year is no different. This bodes well for the standards of the England side improving every year.”

Along with ex-England captain and current ECB head of women’s cricket Clare Connor, Brighton and Hove field six members of the current England set-up. The right-handed opener recognises this is an important factor but not the only reason for Brighton and Hove’s success.

“It obviously helps having international players but the year before we were not successful, so it’s not everything," she said. "We are now a team working for each other, which is why we are successful.

“Playing with each other for England has definitely helped in terms of understanding one another’s game, and that understanding has continued when playing for Brighton and Hove.”

A key member of the England side who won the Ashes and defeated New Zealand this winter, whose personal highlight was 86 not out in the third ODI against the White Ferns, Taylor recognises the potential of the women’s Premier League as a breeding ground for the England side.

“The Premier League offers high standards for young girls coming through, gives them a chance to play in a competitive atmosphere and also among the England players, which will hopefully inspire them to play at a higher level,” she added.

England women face an exciting schedule over the next 12 months with home series against West Indies, South Africa and India, the World Cup in Australia and World Twenty20 in England in 2009. It is a period that Taylor is relishing.

“I haven’t seen the West Indies play and have only played once against South Africa, so my knowledge of each team is very little, but I am very much looking forward to playing them," she said. "India will be a much sterner test but we stand a great chance if we play to our potential.

“Going to Australia in February was a great experience and I am hoping for as much success next year. I’m looking forward to a lot of entertaining cricket in the World Twenty20, which will hopefully attract more viewers and make a better atmosphere. Being on home soil will also help.”