New England coach gets tough after Ashes debacle

"The players are very aware there will be minimum fitness standards come this time next year ... there has to be more accountability in the area," Edwards said on Tuesday, a day before her first match as England coach.

"Before the World Cup it is about individuals improving as much as they can in that time ... I am not going to set fitness standards (now) because there haven't been any standards in place."

Edwards said the players had spent the last few weeks working hard to improve their fielding, an aspect of the game that came under heavy criticism during their dismal Ashes campaign.

"Physically they are in a really good place as well and we have some great fielders within our T20 squad. It's a big part of the game and we know that," Edwards added.

England host West Indies in three T20 matches and three One-Day Internationals between May 21-June 7, with India visiting for a limited-overs tour later next month.