Batting’s strong but it’s bowling unit that leads, says Tammy

TAMMY Beaumont may have steered England to another comfortable triumph over Ireland in the UAE with willow in hand, but she has credited their miserly bowling unit for success.

Beth Langston (3-14 from eight overs) and Kate Cross limited the young Irish outfit to just 106 in Abu Dhabi, allowing England to cruise to victory by seven wickets in the searing heat.

Beaumont – along with fellow opener, 23-year-old Amy Jones – eased to the target with both players notching up half-centuries, furthering their claim for involvement in this summer’s World Cup.

That followed a 276-run battering of Ireland in the first match of the series as England compiled a daunting 379-4 before ripping through the Irish team and skittling them for 103 inside 44 overs.

And Beaumont – who scored 63 runs from 64 deliveries in the second victory – believes that wouldn’t have been possible without the work of the seamers that put England in the driving seat.

“Beth (Langston) and Kate (Cross) came in and bowled really well up front which really shows the strength of the squad at the minute,” said Beaumont.

“The rest of the bowlers were following it on and squeezed at each end, and we forced Ireland to play some loose shots.

“It was nice to bat with Amy because I haven’t had the chance very often.We wanted to make our mark on the innings early on and we did that by hitting the bad balls away from the off.”

Ahead of the Women’s World Cup later this summer, the England players are fighting to be selected in a squad seeking to claim the trophy for the second time in three tournaments after 2009’s success.

England face tough opposition however, beginning their campaign against India in a group that also includes South Africa and defending champions Australia.

And opener Beaumont believes the inter-squad rivalry that has grown throughout their training tour in the UAE will bear fruit when they host the tournament later this summer.

“I would much rather have Katharine Brunt on my team rather than having to face her so it will be nice to be back playing with her,” said Beaumont.

“She is a fiery bowler and that is exactly why we want her. She doesn’t care who is at the other end, she will bowl fast at you.”