England have ‘untapped potential ‘ and ‘can do anything they want’ says Jon Lewis ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

England have “untapped potential” and “can do whatever they want,” head coach Jon Lewis said, as they look to mastermind their first T20 World Cup title since 2009.

England beat the West Indies 8-0 in the format in December in Lewis’ first stint in charge, with three one-day international victories followed by five T20 victories.

Skipper Heather Knight and vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returned for the trip after hip surgery and a break for mental health reasons respectively and Lewis believes they have room for improvement by being more “expressive”.

England, beaten by five-time champions Australia in the 2012, 2014 and 2018 T20 World Cup finals, begin their 2023 campaign against the West Indies on Saturday February 11, live on Sky Sports.

Talk to Press AssociationLewis, who replaces Lisa Keightley as England Women’s head coach, said: “I think it’s all over [our players] have levels to explore, in terms of how to play the game.

‘Knights can be more creative, Nat-Sciver Brunt can dominate’

“The newer players are obviously exciting, with high potential, but the senior group is one that still has a lot of unfulfilled potential.

“Heather, our captain, is an incredibly talented player and a great leader, but I see a lot more in her tank in how creative she is, how well she can play and captain.

“Nat is one of the best players in the world, and he is someone who can go further with the tempo he can play with. He can dominate a team.

“Sometimes I feel that both players feel responsible for the team’s results, so I have said that it is my job to raise the standards of everyone so that they can be more expressive.

“If you can just free some of their minds, make them realize that they don’t have to stick to the way they’ve been, the talent we have is so great.

“This group can do whatever they want. They may not know it yet, but it’s my job to get it out of them.”

‘Australia is the standard bearer in women’s cricket’

Australia have won two previous T20 World Cups, when last year they beat England 12-4 on points to retain the Ashes and then beat them twice en route to claiming their seventh 50-over World Cup.

Former England bowling coach Lewis said: “Australia have always been the standard bearers in the women’s game, they are the benchmark team. They have done well since 2017, when they finally won the World Cup, and they have dominated.

“We will go into this tournament with Australia as favorites and that’s right, they should be. But with favoritism comes the demand and pressure to keep winning.”

Lewis added: “This is 100 per cent, definitely, the biggest project to date.

“As a skills coach in the men’s suit, you have influence, you have a say, but the decision is not yours, it’s someone else’s. It’s a bigger challenge for me.”

Women’s T20 World Cup – complete list (all time England and Ireland)

All games are live on Sky Sports

February 10 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka, Cape Town (5pm)

February 11 – West Indies vs England, Paarl (1pm)

February 11 – Australia vs New Zealand, Paarl (5pm)

February 12 – India vs Pakistan, Cape Town (1pm)

February 12 – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Cape Town (5pm)

February 13 – Ireland vs England, Paarl (11am)

February 13 – South Africa vs New Zealand, Paarl (5pm)

February 14 – Australia vs Bangladesh, Gqeberha (5pm)

February 15 – West Indies vs India, Cape Town (1 p.m.)

February 15 – Pakistan v Ireland, Cape Town (5pm)

February 16 – Sri Lanka vs Australia, Gqeberha (1pm)

February 17 – New Zealand vs Bangladesh, Cape Town (1pm)

February 17 – West Indies v Ireland, Cape Town (5 p.m.)

February 18 – England vs India, Gqeberha (13.00)

February 18 – South Africa vs Australia, Gqeberha (5pm)

February 19 – Pakistan vs West Indies, Paarl (13.00)

February 19 – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Paarl (5pm)

February 20 – Ireland v India, Gqeberha (13.00 WIB)

February 21 – England vs Pakistan, Cape Town (1pm)

February 21 – South Africa vs Bangladesh, Cape Town (5pm)

Knockout Phase

February 23 – First semi-final, Cape Town (13.00)

February 24th – Second semi-final, Cape Town (13.00)

February 26 – Final, Cape Town (1pm)

Semi-finals and finals have spare days

Watch England’s T20 World Cup campaign live on Sky Sports Cricket. The team’s opening match, against the West Indies, kicks off at 12.30pm (first ball) on Saturday, February 11.