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Amy Jones says England women will not be resting on their laurels when they take on South Africa in the second one-day international at Centurion tomorrow.
Charlotte Edwards’ side started the three-match series with a comfortable seven-wicket win in Benoni last week, a victory which moved them level with the fourth-placed Proteas in the ICC Women’s Championship table.
England can complete a series triumph at the first time of asking with victory at SuperSport Park tomorrow, a venue they have yet to play at, but Jones is expecting a strong response from the hosts.
“It’s fantastic to get the first win, especially touring away, not easing ourselves in and getting in the first punch,” Jones told ecb.co.uk.
She’s on 99! @Sarah_Taylor30 trains ahead of the big 100 tomorrow! #EngWomen https://t.co/jjZFUNdnIt
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 11, 2016
“But it definitely doesn’t take anything away from the next game. South Africa are a really good side with world-class players so it is definitely going to be a challenge tomorrow.”
Jones has been installed at the top of the batting line-up on this tour by new Head Coach Mark Robinson, forming an opening partnership with Lauren Winfield.
She recovered from bruised knuckles to smash an unbeaten 44 in the second warm-up match before leading England’s chase of 196, which was later cut to 150 due to the weather, in the first ODI with 34 off 27 balls.
“I had a hit against the net bowlers. It’s going well. I am feeling like I am hitting it quite well,” she said. “It’s naturally suits my game.
Three games of last man standing in 30 seconds. @englandcricket women on the #roadtoRio ! pic.twitter.com/bOZNhpksDW
— Kate Cross (@katecross16) February 10, 2016
“I go out there to play freely, positive and get the team off to a good start. I am really enjoying this opportunity.
“It is mine and Lauren’s role to get the team off to a good start. Naturally we are quite attacking players once we get going. It suits us as players to play freely. Hopefully we get off to a good start tomorrow.”
Sarah Taylor, who made history by becoming the first female to play men’s grade cricket in Australia last October, is set to make her 100th ODI appearance for England tomorrow.
“Sarah is a world-class player, it is fully deserved,” Jones, whose team-mate Katherine Brunt is only one wicket away from 100 in ODIs, added. “It is fantastic that she is on our team, I wouldn’t want to play against her.”
It’s @Sarah_Taylor30‘s 100th ODI tomorrow! She’s got skills https://t.co/Qpysl3umbq
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 11, 2016
Source: ECB