England's exit from the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup, which they had been confident about going into, leaves a lot of questions about their future prospects in the tournament. The team under Charlotte Edwards' leadership has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with Laura Wolvaardt's 169 not out against South Africa.
However, their inability to finish games when ahead and a complete lack of depth in the batting lineup have led many to question whether Edwards has done enough to improve England's chances of winning the tournament.
England's poor fielding was exposed during the game, with Smith showing that she can be an asset for her team. However, they were unable to capitalize on their bowling talent as a whole.
Edwards' experiment with Emma Lamb at the top order didn't pay off and Sophia Dunkley continues to underperform after previously struggling to find form in domestic competitions.
While Edwards has improved England's record in some areas, the team still lacks the depth to challenge the best sides. Edwards admitted that there would be a gap between now and their next major tournament and England can't afford to let her side slip again.
With less than 12 months left until they host the T20 World Cup on home soil, it's an uncertain future for this English team that has disappointed in such high-pressure situations.
However, their inability to finish games when ahead and a complete lack of depth in the batting lineup have led many to question whether Edwards has done enough to improve England's chances of winning the tournament.
England's poor fielding was exposed during the game, with Smith showing that she can be an asset for her team. However, they were unable to capitalize on their bowling talent as a whole.
Edwards' experiment with Emma Lamb at the top order didn't pay off and Sophia Dunkley continues to underperform after previously struggling to find form in domestic competitions.
While Edwards has improved England's record in some areas, the team still lacks the depth to challenge the best sides. Edwards admitted that there would be a gap between now and their next major tournament and England can't afford to let her side slip again.
With less than 12 months left until they host the T20 World Cup on home soil, it's an uncertain future for this English team that has disappointed in such high-pressure situations.
England is having some serious identity crisis at the moment... I mean, one day they're all guns blazing, and next day they can't even finish a game 
It's like they're still finding themselves. And don't get me wrong, Edwards has done some solid stuff, but that batting lineup just needs a major overhaul 
I'm loving Smith though, she's the real deal 
But seriously, if they want to make it past the group stages next year, they need to sort out these inconsistencies ASAP 
, I'm so done with England's inconsistent performances! 
They were so confident going into the Women's World Cup but got knocked out by a semi-final exit 
. Laura Wolvaardt's 169 not out was just a flash in the pan, but where's the depth in their batting lineup? 
It feels like they're still experimenting with players and not getting it right.
. They need to work on that ASAP! Smith is clearly an asset, but if they can't capitalize on their bowling talent... 
it's just frustrating.
, but they still lack the punch to challenge the top teams. And now with the T20 World Cup coming up in 12 months, it's a big ask to get it right next time 
. I'm not sure what's going on with Sophia Dunkley either... 
I was rooting for them to win the whole thing! But like, Charlotte Edwards is a great coach and all, but they need to make some changes ASAP 
. Their batting lineup is so thin and Emma Lamb just didn't work out I mean I know Sophia Dunkley's got potential but she's been struggling so hard lately 
Smith is a great cricketer for sure, but they need to improve that overall. It's going to be tough for them to come back from this and I'm worried about their chances at the T20 World Cup next year 
. Charlotte Edwards' leadership skills are being put to the test, and it's like trying to catch a greased pig – they're slipping away from you! Laura Wolvaardt's century was awesome, but couldn't save them 
. And Smith, she's got game 
! Maybe England can turn it around in the T20 World Cup? 
They've got 12 months to practice their 'get out of jail free' moves 