Women's Ashes: Charlotte Edwards praises England spirit

Charlotte Edwards

England captain Charlotte Edwards praised the battling qualities shown by her players as they secured a draw from the Ashes Test against Australia.

Heather Knight's 157 rescued the home side from 113-6 on day two, with a draw agreed as England reached 93-2 chasing 249 to win on the final afternoon.

"They are probably more disappointed than us because they had a real opportunity on day two," said Edwards.

"I'm more than happy with how we responded and the character we showed."

The draw at Wormsley gives both sides two points in the new-look Ashes series, with two points each on offer for the winners of the three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s that follow.

Six points would have been claimed by the winners of the Test match and Edwards says she did not believe the potential deficit created by a defeat created a fear of losing.

"I'm more than happy with this structure," said the 33-year-old Kent batter.

"The Test match can't be played last because we could be in the situation of being a dead rubber.

"It was a huge incentive to get the six points and both teams really wanted them. There are a lot of draws in men's cricket and it was the same here."

The Ashes series now moves on to Lord's, where the first of the one-day internationals takes place on Tuesday.

"We have a game on Saturday against the Middlesex Boys team to have a run-out before Tuesday," added Edwards.

"We'll probably give our bowlers a rest but it gives us the opportunity to have a look. Heather Knight has staked a claim for a place in the one-day side.

"Hopefully we can get a win under our belt and get on the way to winning the Ashes."

Australia captain Jodie Fields, who made 78 in the Southern Stars' 231-5 on the final day, said the flat nature of the Wormsley pitch made it hard for her side to force a result.

"I think it was an exciting match," said wicketkeeper Fields.

"We came here with a positive attitude but England managed to bat it out on a flat wicket.

"Once they shut up shop it was going to be a draw.

"Our goal was to win the match and we knew we had to declare at some stage. It was flat and hard to generate wickets, but that's Test match cricket."