NatWest Women's International Series

Charlotte Edwards, Mark Dobson, and Nicki Shaw with the NatWest Womens Series trophy in front of the Blackpool Tower © Getty Images

Charlotte Edwards, the England Women's Captain yesterday launched the NatWest Women's Series and the NatWest Women's International Twenty20s against New Zealand in Blackpool. She was joined by newly-appointed vice-captain Nicky Shaw and new head coach Mark Dobson.

Having played New Zealand twice in February in the Quadrangular Series in India, the two sides will once again compete over the course of six one-day Internationals. Edwards commented: "We are all really looking forward to the NatWest Women's Series in August against New Zealand. We played them recently and had some indifferent results now is our chance to show our capabilities.

"The girls have just finished our domestic season with some impressive performances throughout the Super 4s and LV County Championships and confident we can carry this form through into the Internationals. It's a really exciting time for the players, having a whole new invigorated management team with plenty of enthusiasm and new ideas. It's going to be an exciting summer and we can't wait for it to get started."

With a new coach in place England will be keen to impress, with everyone wanting to display their talent. Shaw is desperate to play on the International stage after missing the winter through a cruciate ligament injury: "I can't wait to be back in the team playing alongside all the talented players we've got."

Charlotte Edwards and Nicky Shaw with the NatWest Womens Series trophy at the Blackpool beach © Getty Images

The all-rounder believes that the series will be one of the closest witnessed for a while: "We are two equally balanced teams and there will be a lot of quality cricket played. I am backing England to put in some fantastic team and individual performances. The main priorities though are to win, entertain the crowds and make excellent viewing for our supporters."

On being made vice-captain she commented: "I felt a great sense of pride and excitement. I am really looking forward to working with Charlotte and the new management team."

The International Series kicks off with three NatWest Women's International Twenty20s, the first two of which will take place at Bath CC on August 12 and August 13. It will be the first time that International cricket has been played in the Spa town. The final NatWest Women's International Twenty20 match will be played at Taunton; the Home of Women's Cricket on August 16 and will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports.

The first ODI in the NatWest Women's Series also takes place in Taunton on August 17. From there both teams head to Stratford-upon-Avon for the second NatWest ODI of the series on Sunday August 19. Derbyshire CCC hosts the series only floodlit fixture on August 23, before the teams head north to the seaside resort of Blackpool over August Bank Holiday weekend.

The final match of the series will be played at Shenley CC on August 30.