Pearson and England out to maintain that winning habit

Lucy Pearson has a smile as long as her 6ft frame when reminded that, a year ago almost to the day, she was causing devastation amongst Australia's top and middle order at The Bankstown Oval, Sydney.

The talismanic England bowler and Vodafone Player of the Year admits that 2003 "was a very good year" - and, as England Women begin their winter tour to South Africa, is adamant that it wasn't a one-off.

"My performance against Australia is something no-one can take away now; it's in the record books. I know it wasn't just a good day and a half. I've been playing well for the last couple of years and worked really hard," said Pearson, reflecting on her vintage performance against the leaders of the world game that put her name in the record books as only the second woman ever to take an 11-wicket Test haul (the other was on home soil in the 1950s).

"South Africa is the last continent left for me to play cricket on and I'm really looking forward to it. The wickets will be dryer and harder than Australia and the climate will have a big impact on whether the ball swings or not."

England soundly beat South Africa in the NatWest Women's Series and npower Test Series in August; taking both titles. Pearson excelled with the ball again and when asked about her rise to the elite of the women's game, she smiles again: "Right now, I really believe in myself. Everyone can be out.

"I don't fear anyone; there are some I have real respect for of course. I think in a few years Johmari Logtenburg will be devastating for South Africa for example."

Pearson is funny and has a bright, sharp humour, making her the perfect foil to the overt `entertainer' in the England team, fellow bowler and ecb.co.uk columnist Clare Taylor. But a serious tone pervades at the suggestion that England will beat South Africa comfortably this month given the results in the summer.

"Winning is still relatively new for us. It started in the winter and then we beat SA, but we have to do it again and get the recipe right again. I think as long as we stick to our game plan and we all know our own roles and each other's, we'll continue to win.

"We learnt a harsh lesson when we toured India in 2002 - we got thrashed having beaten them at home the preceding summer so there is no way we'll be complacent. SA have some very good bowlers and we're in our off season."

Pearson has admiration for the qualities of the SA team: "It will be interesting to see them at home - home advantage is massive - they'll be more confident and they are resilient. They really showed that at times last summer."

Logtenburg, in particular, caused a real stir last summer when, at just 14, she exercised the skill and composure required for cricket at the elite level. At 14, Pearson was still playing hockey and hadn't considered bowling for England. Cricket was a passion she developed at Oxford University as an undergraduate who wanted a sport to play during the summer. She appreciates that now, with the increased profile of the women's game, more youngsters are making their way into national teams.

"I really enjoy the role I have with the younger bowlers in the England squad, players like Beth (Morgan) Isa (Guha) and now Jenny (Gunn). I empathise with them and how they feel as `new' players.

"They have an advantage now of being `recognised' at least within the women's game, thanks to Super Fours and the Frizzell Women's County Championship. Jenny Gunn and players like her are the future of this team. It's nice to talk and help them, I think they respond positively."