Birkenshaw backs women

Jack Birkenshaw

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Jack Birkenshaw, who was one of the England women's coaches on their recent overseas tour, has affirmed his overriding support for women’s cricket across the globe.

“Women’s cricket is here to stay and it’s going to get bigger and better than ever,” he said as he sat and watched England overcome New Zealand by nine wickets to level the series 1-1 at Lincoln University.

Birkenshaw joined the squad in Bowral as England retained the Ashes with a win over Australia in the sole Test match of the series.

“It was a magnificent win for England to beat Australia on their own turf. England were a very strong team and beat Australia convincingly and it was great cricket to watch.

“Lisa Sthalekar, the Australian all-rounder, is a fantastic player. She has a variety of shots and is very natural on a cricket pitch. Their youngster, Elysse Perry, who is only 17, is very athletic and could prove a threat in years to come.

"In terms of the English players Isa (Guha) is very energetic on the field. She has a beautiful action as she swings the ball away.

“Lottie (Charlotte Edwards) is also one of our key players. She has an inner toughness that really comes out on the cricket pitch. She has a good all-round selection of shots and hits the ball very sweetly, timing it well.

Claire Taylor drew special praise © Getty Images

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“Claire Taylor prepares well and has a strong belief in herself and knows her limitations. Sarah Taylor, the wicket-keeper, is also a fantastic player as is Katherine Brunt who is looking good in her comeback trail.

“The youngsters in the side are doing well in practice, but need to put in the big performances in the matches. They need the confidence to believe in themselves, but as ambassadors for the game they are all terrific.”

Birkenshaw’s impression of the women’s game has been transformed by the current England team since his introduction to the sport in 1956.

“I used to bowl against Yorkshire women at the indoor cricket school. Then I was introduced to this team at Loughborough and I saw a different type of cricketer. I saw a positive type of cricketer with flair and energy and passion for the game, with an aggressive way of batting.

“Power-hitting is definitely coming into the women’s game, particularly here in New Zealand where their players are hitting the ball as far as the men.”

However, Birkenshaw has a clear idea of how to improve the game to ensure its progression is professional and successful.

“The women need to play more Test cricket. They need a longer style of game than the 50-over matches they currently play in order to develop their game and learn how to play.

The England women played the game in the right spirit

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“More high-profile cricket is required as are more overseas tours, so the players learn in different climates and on different types of wickets.

“The crowds for the Ashes Test at The Bradman Oval were great – in excess of 1,500 every day – and everybody there loved the way the women played the game, how they committed themselves and the skills they displayed over the course of the four days.

“Our players need to be going into clubs and schools and encouraging more youngsters to take up the game, so that cricket becomes the norm.

“We need more girls playing the sport so that we can have a squad of decent players to select from. As coaches we need to make them stronger so that they can read situations and back themselves to perform."

Although relatively new in his role as assistant coach, Birkenshaw is really happy in the job and would like to see some of his future spent working with the women.

“I’m really enjoying it,” he continued. “Mark Lane, who is acting head coach at the moment, is very good. He is very passionate about what he does and loves the sport.

"He has an excellent way with the girls and there is a mutual respect between them. He communicates well with them and vice-versa and that is a key skill in this environment."