England head coach Mark Robinson lends support to women’s age-group World Cup

The development was revealed after the recent ICC Board meetings, which took place in Dubai across six days in February and March. Robinson labelled the idea “fantastic”, and expressed his preference for what age group would be catered for by the tournament.

“It's brilliant. Fantastic from the ICC," Robinson told ESPNcricinfo. "I selfishly and privately hope they do the 21s and not the 19s. That'll allow for more growth. Some of the girls are at the same stage as the boys are, but those extra two years will just allow more people to stay in the system, more people to develop. That's my personal view. But if it ends up being the Under-19s, it's still going to be a great initiative and great progression for the game."

He also opened up on England’s big summer ahead, which includes a chance to win back the Ashes for the first time since 2014 in another multi-format series, featuring three ODIs, three T20Is, and a Test match.

"We've got a lot of cricket to try and sort out things," Robinson said. "What we're trying to do is create options in positions; always try and see who your best players are, and the back-up players as well. So when the Ashes come around, you have all your best, key players - your Brunts, Taylors, Knights, Shrubsole and Beaumonts - all fit.

"We've got a good record against Australia. We drew the last Ashes [after losing the ODI leg]. We are the 50-overs holders of the World Cup. But Australia have made a move as well. They've moved their cricket on, so we'll have to be at our best to beat them. That'll be the ambition and hope."