Mark Robinson says fitness cost England's Women against Australia
Thursday 31 March 2016 13:34, UK
England Women's coach Mark Robinson has warned his players they need to "get fitter and toughen up" after their disappointing semi-final defeat by Australia at the World Twenty20.
Robinson's side went down by five runs to their long-time rivals, who continued their fine run of form against England after appearing to be up against it in Delhi.
There seemed to be a number of occasions when shots into space ended with just singles where two runs appeared possible, and Robinson felt a lack of fitness had cost them victory.
The former Sussex coach was taking charge of England in a tournament for the first time and he hinted that athleticism could be a key criteria in his future selections.
"For me it's quite simple, we've got to get fitter and toughen up a little bit," Robinson said.
"We're not fit enough, they out-ran us. Athleticism is something you're given by God, but aerobic fitness is something we've got to get better at because we missed out on twos.
"We're looking for players who can stand up and be counted, players that can play under pressure and have that aerobic fitness necessary to do the job.
"That will be a necessity for any women's team I'm in charge of going forward."
But Robinson was supportive of captain Charlotte Edwards, who said she is keen to remain in the role and is likely to end as the tournament's top runs scorer.
"We need to get a few more warriors like the captain in," he said. "She'll come out as probably the highest run-scorer in the competition, led the team fantastically and she's innovated when she needed to.
"Let's get back to England and take stock there."
Edwards scored 31 at the top of the England batting order, but her departure with the score on 67 started the slippery slope towards defeat with the Southern Stars appearing to be on the rack.
And the 36-year-old is happy to continue as captain as long as she has the support of her coach and team-mates.
"Absolutely. Of course I want to continue captaining England, but if I'm not the right person then that's not going to be my decision," Edwards added.
"I want to continue. I love what I do and hopefully I can continue giving my all to this group. I feel like I'm playing as well as ever."
