Edwards relishing Lord's return

England women captain Charlotte Edwards is excited by the prospect of leading her side out at Lord’s in the second match of the NatWest Series against South Africa tomorrow.

Edwards led England to a 121-run victory at Canterbury yesterday in the first of five one-day matches.

The win continued England’s fine run that has seen them beat West Indies and New Zealand in one-day internationals this year following the retention of the Ashes Down Under last winter.

The team celebrated their Ashes triumph with a victory parade at Lord’s during the interval of the final NatWest Series ODI between England men and their New Zealand counterparts.

Charlotte Edwards leads England out at Canterbury - she will do the same at Lord's again tomorrow

Edwards said: “Lord’s is a very special place for us. That Ashes victory parade was amazing; it was such a great experience and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“To lead the team out at Lord’s will be fantastic and something I will relish. Our aim will be to put in a fantastic performance for the crowd, which historically has always been supportive of women’s cricket.

“Last time we played here was in front of more than 2,000 people and we’re hoping for similar numbers again this year.”

England last played at Lord’s in 2006 when they beat India by 100 runs with Claire Taylor smashing 156 not out to become the highest run-scorer ever at Lord’s in a one-day international.

This match signifies the start of an agreement between the MCC and ECB whereby England will play at least one match at the home of cricket every year from 2009 onwards.

The final of the ICC World Twenty20 will be held at Lord’s next year with the women’s match preceding the men’s. This will undoubtedly be on both sets of players’ minds as they take to the field tomorrow.