Charlotte Edwards emphasizes fitness accountability for England Women's cricket team

Charlotte Edwards, newly appointed head coach of the England women's cricket team, has emphasized the need for players to be accountable for their fitness following a disappointing 16-0 defeat in the Ashes series against Australia. Edwards, who replaces Jon Lewis and captain Heather Knight, aims to shift the team's culture from a focus on entertainment to one that prioritizes athleticism and success, particularly with the World Cup approaching later this year. She plans to start her tenure by assessing the team's fitness levels and has expressed confidence in their potential to win the World Cup in India. Edwards is also tasked with selecting a new captain, with candidates including Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone. The recent scrutiny over player fitness, highlighted by former spinner Alex Hartley, underscores the challenges Edwards faces in revitalizing the team. Overall, she aims to instill higher professional standards and drive improvements in the squad's performance.