Charlotte Edwards hails England cricket colleague Sarah Taylor

England skipper Charlotte Edwards was not shocked to see “unbelievable talent” Sarah Taylor play in a men’s game in Australia.

Taylor made history in October by becoming the first woman to play Grade cricket in Australia when she turned out for Northern Districts against Port Adelaide in a South Australian Cricket Association match.

"It really doesn't surprise me because Sarah is an unbelievable talent and it was only a matter of time before a men's team picked her up especially because of her wicket-keeping," Edwards told Sky Sports.

"I don't think there will be many more games that she will play out there but by all accounts she enjoyed it.

"I know she's looking forward to playing in the Big Bash now but who knows how far she can go and what she does next. I think it's a case of watch this space for Sarah because she's an unbelievable talent."

Taylor took two catches in the game and was not required to bat as Northern Districts reached their victory target with three wickets to spare.

"I wasn't disappointed not to see her bat and sent her a message saying just be careful out there," Edwards added.

"Those sorts of games can sometimes be difficult games for women to play in. I thought they might try and bounce her out in Australia so I'm just pleased she ended the game unscathed. 

"But she really enjoyed it, she's tested herself and put herself out of her comfort zone and that's what you want to do as a player. Hopefully, she'll save her runs for England over the winter."

Edwards and Taylor are among a group of England players that will head Down Under this winter to play in the inaugural eight-team Women's Big Bash League.

"There are nine of us heading out there now and it's something we are all looking forward to," Edwards said.

"It's going to be great. Some of us will be playing together and a lot of us will be playing against each other but it will be great preparation for our tour to South Africa [in February] and also the Cricket World Cup in March."

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