CHARLOTTE Edwards captained England Ladies Cricket Team into the final of the World Cup in Australia yesterday (Tuesday). Edwards, from Pidley, took her team into the final with five straight wins and the luxury of not having to worry about the final mat

CHARLOTTE Edwards captained England Ladies Cricket Team into the final of the World Cup in Australia yesterday (Tuesday).

Edwards, from Pidley, took her team into the final with five straight wins and the luxury of not having to worry about the final match in the "Super Sixes" stage against pre-tournament favourites Australia

England have now gone a record breaking 17 wins in one day international cricket but Edwards dismissed any thought of taking things easy against the Aussies tomorrow (Thursday).

Edwards said: "We will be doing everything possible to beat them, we want to keep our form and the unbeaten run going and we are aware that if we win their involvement in the World Cup will be over."

Edwards does not want the Aussie girls to slip into the final and get the home crowd behind them in a one off "shoot out".

In the last five days the England team have convincingly beaten both Pakistan and the West Indies and in between have disposed of a strong New Zealand side as the 'White Ferns' wilted under the pressure from Edwards' side. England tottered at 96 for four before Edwards constructed 57 on a slow surface to guide her side towards the 200 mark. She then bowled to secure the win as she returned figures of four for 37 with her leg spin to close the game.

Despite the defeat New Zealand remain favourites to join England in Sunday's final as they look for a win in their last game against lowly Pakistan.

Edwards was full of praise for coaches Mark Lane and Jack Birkenshaw who have prepared the team. "Laney and Jack have worked their socks off for us and their efforts must not be overlooked. The girls have responded but know there are still two important games to be won," she said.

The match on March 10 against the West Indies saw England reach 236 for eight on a difficult wicket and Edwards admitted that they had the worst 30 minutes of the tour when they lost four quick wickets.

Things soon got even though and England got a very good score. The Windies capitulated in less than 39 overs to 90 all out with Edwards sending down 10 overs for just 12 runs.

The next two games move from the Drummoyne Oval to the North Sydney ground which Edwards thinks is a much better surface for the one day game. She is in a buoyant mood knowing that the team have already proved their quality but the Pidley lady is still showing the steel needed to captain her side at the highest level.