England women vs New Zealand: Charlotte Edwards admits to professional pressure

Charlotte Edwards leads England women into their one-day series against New Zealand tonight

Charlotte Edwards leads England women into their one-day series against New Zealand tonight (Getty Images)

The England women’s captain, Charlotte Edwards, believes the advent of professionalism has increased the pressure on her side.

The opening batswoman leads England into the first of five one-day internationals against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui tonight knowing that results in the first three will determine their qualification for the 2017 World Cup.

England have the pedigree to see off the home side in the ODIs and the three Twenty20 matches of this tour, but Edwards is conscious of the added scrutiny that comes with turning professional last year. Asked if that had increased expectations, the 35-year-old said: “It does, absolutely. I think the first [Ashes] Test probably highlighted that more than anything. We knew there was a lot of media scrutiny around and, I’m not going to lie, it probably did have an impact.”

It is a view shared by her vice-captain and heir apparent, Heather Knight. “The girls are taking it in their stride [the additional pressure], it’s something we’ve talked about as a squad and so far we’ve done really well. It’s part and parcel of being a professional sports person, I guess.”

Somerset have signed the Australian-born Netherlands international batsman Tom Cooper for the whole of the 2015 season. The 28-year-old right-hander, who has also represented Australia Under-19s and South Australia, has a first-class average of almost 40 from 46 games.

Somerset had been looking to bring in batting reinforcements after losing Nick Compton, Alviro Petersen and Chris Jones, while doubts remain about Craig Kieswetter’s availability due to his eye injury.