Jones backs young England side to embrace Keightley’s ‘fresh ideas’
Amy Jones, the England wicketkeeper, has backed the squad’s young potential to spearhead a challenge in their Tri-series in Australia ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup next month.
England, who were beaten World Cup finalists in 2018, open their campaign against India in Canberra tomorrow, before facing Australia the following day. The series will form vital preparation for the World
T20, which will be Lisa Keightley’s first major competition in charge.
Many see Keightley’s tenure as head coach as a new era for England, following the retirements of Sarah Taylor, Laura Marsh, Jenny Gunn and Dani Hazell, and Jones is confident the squad’s younger players can step up to the plate in their ambition to win the event for the first time since 2009.
“We’ve got some really exciting young players in Sarah Glenn and Mady Villiers, who haven’t played that many games for England but when they have, they’ve taken to it so quickly,” Jones said.
“Both, on their debuts, didn’t look out of place and fitted in comfortably. They’ve definitely got the skills to perform on a bigger stage.”
Jones added: “We know Australia are the favourites, so the pressure is on them and hopefully we can just go in and enjoy our cricket and put on a bit of a show.
“T20 cricket is all about expressing yourself and playing with freedom, and that’s definitely a big aim for us in the Tri-series, too.”
England took part in a seven-day training camp in La Manga, Spain earlier this month. They experienced their first real contact with Keightley, who crossed paths with many of the current squad when she served as the England women’s first full-time academy head coach between 2009 and 2015.
“I know Lisa really well and since she came and played for Warwickshire, when I was about 16, she was our overseas player,” Jones said.
“I’ve worked with her quite closely in the academy and in the [Perth] Scorchers. It definitely helps that she’s already got those relationships with us.
“She can get going quite quickly in terms of what she wants to bring to the team. We’re really excited about the fresh ideas she’ll bring.”