World Cup is huge boost to women's cricket, says Clare Connor
Friday 21 October 2016 11:09, UK
The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation chance for women's cricket to reach new heights, according to Clare Connor.
England's head of women's cricket believes next year's illustrious event is a massive stage for the sport in the country.
Connor has already overseen 12 months of dramatic change within the squad, with Mark Robinson becoming the new coach of the national team, veteran captain Charlotte Edwards replaced and the inaugural Kia Super League being held.
England's women are on course for automatic World Cup qualification, after completing a 3-2 series success against West Indies in Jamaica with a five-wicket verdict in Wednesday night's decider at Sabina Park.
The former all-rounder said: "The opportunity we have next summer is huge," said Connor.
"It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us trying to pull together the best possible event. For a lot of the players, it is a once in a career - probably the only home World Cup Heather Knight captains."
With a real momentum behind women's sport after the Rio Olympics, Connor is confident that this is the right time for the event.
"The timing is great. There is a real momentum behind women's sport and women's team sports especially. Great Britain's Rio Olympic gold in the hockey is another example of that," she added.
"The presence of Knight's team is, of course, crucial and after the tough tour of the West Indies, they are on the verge of booking their place.
"We're absolutely delighted and relieved. We just need one more vital win [against Sri Lanka] in Colombo next month to make sure."
The England team have not had an easy ride through 2016, especially when the decision was taken to call time on Edwards' captaincy, while wicketkeeper-batsman Sarah Taylor had to step away because of stress-related issues and Lydia Greenway retired.
Connor said: "It was a tricky time for everybody to have such a change.
"I'm very pleased with the way Heather has captained the team on a tricky tour. Some really great signs from her and some of the youngsters.
"It was very much a period of change, and great credit to Mark Robinson and the team for creating an environment which has helped players to flourish and new players to emerge."
Click here to find out more about how to apply for the ticket ballot.
For further 2017 Women's World Cup tournament information click here.
The ICC Women's World Cup 2017 final is coming to The Home of Cricket - Lord's Cricket Ground - on 23 July 2017. The ticket ballot for the WWC17 final opens on 20 October 2016. Register for ICC Women's World Cup 2017 final information at http://www.icc-cricket.com/tickets
