Charlie Dean made her mark as England’s number one white-ball spinner, taking 2-14 in seven overs, including 4-40 off her first three. Guwahati was the host of the historic opening match. Dean made the most of the pitch’s spin-friendly conditions to help his side bowl the opposition out for less than 100 runs. This performance will be particularly welcome as England try to find their form after a disappointing winter campaign.
It didn’t take long for Dean, only 24 years old, to become a vocal leader on the team. Recently appointed as vice-captain to Nat Sciver-Brunt, she embraces the increased scrutiny that has come with the team’s recent struggles, including their early exit from the T20 World Cup last year and a devastating loss to Australia in the Women’s Ashes.
The young spinner from Chennai sees the increased scrutiny as a good thing.
“We had a bit of scrutiny on us and that can only be a good thing – it means people are watching,” said Dean.
She believes that resilience is key to overcoming challenges and notes that the team’s renewed approach is significantly contributing to their success.
“We’ve had challenges, and the way you get around those is with resilience,” she added.
Whether through this summer or other recent opportunities, Dean has gained valuable captaincy experience. She’s appreciative that this opportunity has allowed her to step into a larger role with the team.
“I’ve had a bit more captaincy experience this summer, so I feel like I am growing into a bit more of a leader and I’ve been developing my public speaking as well,” Dean explained.
Despite the exciting last-minute win, Dean is careful not to get too excited just yet. She knows just how important it is to keep our eyes on the prize. She thinks that England are finding their “mojo” again with a more combative and upbeat attitude to playing rugby.
Along the way, even if I only succeed in helping Nat 10% then I’ll be doing my job, she said, a nod to proving that she had her captain’s back and really standing up for her team.
Bowling a team out for less than 100 is a big deal. Dean admits it’s more of an aspirational target that his team continues to try and make a standard practice.
“Bowling a team out for under 100 is something that you always strive to do, but you never really think it’s going to happen,” she remarked.
As England moves deeper into the tournament, they look to continue their winning streak. With emerging leaders like Charlie Dean to steer them, they’ll likely be intent on honing their game in preparation for the next step up. Her contributions on and off the field may prove vital as the team aims for success in the coming matches.
Leave a Reply