ENGLAND Women's captain Heather Knight was pleased to see her team fight back with victory last night, backed by a "brilliant" Taunton crowd.

England rebounded from their defeat to South Africa earlier on Saturday by beating New Zealand in front of a healthy home support at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Knight told the County Gazette: "It was brilliant, a really good atmosphere, and as the home team we really felt the support.

"The crowd got behind us, which was lovely, and any time we come down to Taunton we really enjoy it.

"The crowd are always really knowledgeable about women's cricket, and really supportive.

"It's been a good day all round; I think the people who have come to watch have seen two good games of cricket, and we're pleased to get the win in the second game."

It's almost a year since England played Sri Lanka in Taunton (on July 2, 2017), in the group stage of the Women's Cricket World Cup - a competition they went on to win in dramatic fashion.

And Knight is very positive about the progress of women's cricket in England following that tournament.

She said: "The World Cup was a real watershed moment for the sport, with the excitement around the tournament and the standard of cricket that was played.

"[Women's cricket] has really gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years, and I think that's continuing.

"It's important that the World Cup wasn't a one-off, and I think in the games this summer we've seen people supporting the sport and getting behind the team."

Somerset County Gazette:

BOUNCEBACK WIN: Heather Knight in action for England on Saturday. Pic: Clayton Jane

Knight also captains Western Storm, who begin their Kia Super League defence on Sunday, July 22, in Taunton against Yorkshire Diamonds.

And she will be looking to channel her bowling form - taking 2-17 against New Zealand - for her club side next month.

"I bowl quite a lot for the Storm, and though I haven't bowled too much recently, it was nice to get back into it and do well, and take a couple of wickets," she said.

"Overall it was a great bowling performance from us in the second game, and we're delighted to defend that score.

"I think we're in a good place in the table in terms of this tri-series, and hopefully we can finish well in Bristol and make the tri-series final in Chelmsford."

England face New Zealand this Thursday, June 28 (5.40pm), at the Bristol County Ground as they look to sure up their place in the tri-series final.