Taylor’s return a boost for women – Robinson

ENGLAND Women’s coach Mark Robinson said Sarah Taylor feels like she is “starting a new chapter” after being included in the World Cup squad.

The 28-year-old wicketkeeper took an indefinite break from the sport this time last year due to a stress-related illness but returned to Robinson’s group at a training camp in the United Arab Emirates last month, and she was yesterday named in the 15-strong party who will compete in the summer’s 50-over tournament on home soil.

Just two Englishwomen – Charlotte Edwards and Claire Taylor – have scored more runs in that format than Taylor, and Robinson is delighted that he can call on a player with the experience of featuring in over 100 one-day internationals.

“It’s fantastic news for Sarah and ourselves,” said the former Yorkshire seam bowler.

“She has the ability to win games by herself and she’s worked really, really hard to get herself back to where she can put herself forward to be selected, so I’m really proud of her.

“We’re not taking advantage – it’s a day-by-day process still – but she’s well enough and shown enough evidence to give every indication that she’ll hopefully handle anything that comes in front of her.

“We can’t take her illness for granted and the most important thing is her well-being – that’s of primary importance. It’s a good lesson for us all, to treat each day as it comes.

“She’s an outstanding player with the potential to influence games through her own brilliance.”

Captain Heather Knight has also been included despite suffering a stress fracture in her foot at the start of this month.

Taylor is one of five women in Robinson’s squad, along with Katherine Brunt, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole and Jenny Gunn, who were part of the last English team to win the World Cup in Australia eight years ago.

The hosts’ opener is against India in Derby on June 24.