No one other than those involved will be prouder than Clare Connor when four Sussex players spearhead England’s bid for glory in the women’s World Cup final tonight.

Connor has worked with batsman Caroline Atkins, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and spin bowlers Laura Marsh and Holly Colvin in the Sussex set-up since they were 12 years old.

Now the ECB’s head of women’s cricket, the former England captain admits she will be “hugely proud” when the quartet take on New Zealand in Sydney.

But she insists the two-times former winners have only realised expectations by reaching their first final since 1993 – not exceeded them.

Connor, 32, said: “I’ve seen all four girls develop through the Sussex ranks since they were 12 or 13 and I know how hard they have worked to be part of this talented England squad. If they are selected tonight, and they should be, I’ll be immensely proud.

“Three of the four (Taylor, Colvin and Atkins) are former Brighton College girls which is the school I attended and then taught at so there is an additional bond between us all and I know that the College are immensely proud of their achievements. But there was never any doubt that this squad should make the final, based on their consistent form and preparation going into the tournament.

“Tournament cricket is a high-pressure environment and one slip can cost you but fortunately they have maintained their winning ways when it counted and have earned the opportunity to hopefully be called the best team in the world tomorrow.”

Nine of the squad played under Connor when England won back the Ashes in 2005 and continuity of selection has been integral to their success.

Connor added: “Consistent team selection has given the players confidence which is important.

“They have been well supported by the ECB, selectors and various coaches within the set-up over a good period of time and the players know exactly what their jobs are.”

All four Sussex players have had key roles in England’s path to the final.

Atkins has scored three half-centuries, more than any other batsman in the tournament, while opening partner Taylor is running into form with 79 in the win over West Indies on Tuesday which secured England’s place in the final.

Off-spinner Marsh is the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 14 while left-arm spinner Colvin has done an important containing job in the middle of the innings.

Marsh admits she is surprised at how well she has done but believes the hours she spent during the winter with coach Jack Birkenshaw have paid off.

She said: “A few of the pitches have turned which is always good for spinners and has helped my tally of wickets. I have worked hard to get where I am and I’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to perform.

“My targets were to go at less than three runs an over and help us win the World Cup. I’m close and hopefully by Sunday I will have achieved both of them.”

England will look to Atkins (211 runs) and Taylor (177) to give them a good start against the Kiwis. They put on 134 against West Indies on Tuesday and 80 in the earlier win over Sri Lanka. Atkins believes their contrasting styles complement each other.

Atkins said: “We both like to approach the game in a relaxed manner. We run well between the wickets and she is naturally more aggressive and I’m naturally less so.

“I’ve been pleased with my consistent form but I have given myself lots of time to score those runs and I’ll be looking to improve my strike rate in the final.

“We have come here to win so to go away with anything less would be hugely disappointing.”