Edwards has no regrets at missing ‘biggest game in women’s history’
CHARLOTTE Edwards is reliving the experience of watching the nerve-racking runchase against South Africa that earned England their place in today’s World Cup final from the supposed sanctuary of the commentary box.
‘Apparently I went really quiet,’ said England’s former captain. ‘I was rubbing my hands, I didn’t know what I was doing, just trying to distract myself.
‘I’ve been there with them, like in the T20 World Cup where we messed up against Australia, and this seemed like a similar chase. I knew how devastating it would be for them to get in such a good position and then throw it away. But now they’ve overcome that hurdle I think they’ll breeze through the final, I really do.’
The enthusiasm and excitement Edwards feels for her former charges is testament to the way she has moved on since the seismic decision of coach Mark Robinson to sack one of the most significant figures in women’s cricket history.
This World Cup was set to be her swansong but, one year on from the controversial call that changed her life, there is no bitterness from the woman who could have led England out in front of a packed Lord’s. ‘It’s been absolutely fine,’ she
told The Mail on Sunday. ‘Before the first game someone asked me if I wished I was playing and I said “Absolutely not”. It’s good that I’ve gone past the position where I want to be out there. I can’t say I won’t be envious of them playing in front of a full house at Lord’s, but I’m not good enough any more.’
Instead Edwards has become an insightful and natural commentator on TV and radio. ‘A year is a long time and I’m enjoying what I’m doing now,’ she said.
What Edwards has seen from the best seat in the house has been a World Cup that has taken the women’s game to another level, with today’s final between England and India in front of 26,000 a potential game changer.
‘It’s been a huge success and for me it’s just got better and better,’ she said.
One innings in particular, Harmanpreet Kaur’s sensational 171 off 115 balls for India in their semi-final win over Australia, encapsulated the transformation in the women’s game.
‘It was the best innings I’ve ever seen,’ said Edwards. ‘Everyone in the media box was a bit shell-shocked because we couldn’t quite believe what we’d just watched.’
Now Kaur and Edwards are looking forward to a big day at Lord’s.
‘Now India have got to the final, this is the biggest game in women’s history,’ added Edwards. ‘The audience will be millions, maybe a billion, and what a venue for it. I just hope the game will live up to the hype.’