• Wyatt-Hodge backs Sophia Dunkley ahead of World Cup
• England opener predicts ‘fireworks’ in India series decider
• Dunkley tipped for long-awaited return to top form
Danni Wyatt-Hodge believes Sophia Dunkley is closing in on a major innings as England continue their preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup, with the experienced opener backing her teammate to rediscover her best form ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to reporters before Tuesday’s series decider against India in Taunton, Wyatt-Hodge said she remained fully confident in Dunkley’s ability despite the batter still searching for a breakthrough score this summer.
Dunkley has reached double figures in six of her seven innings for club and country but has yet to convert those starts into a significant contribution. Even so, Wyatt-Hodge believes the foundations are in place for a big performance.
Wyatt-Hodge backs Dunkley’s aggressive approach
Speaking at England’s pre-match media session, Wyatt-Hodge praised Dunkley’s positive approach at the crease.
“I’ve opened the batting with Sophia Dunkley for a number of years now, and we all know how good Sophia is.
“Taking the game on from ball one, that’s what she does at her best. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially when the ball’s swinging a lot and moving off the pitch. But Dunks has been so successful at the top, and we’ve put some good partnerships on together, and I’m really looking forward to getting out there with her tomorrow, and then obviously in the World Cup as well.”
Competition for places at the top of England’s order has intensified in recent weeks. Alice Capsey impressed during Wyatt-Hodge’s absence on maternity leave, producing a match-winning unbeaten 74 against India at Derby.
With England continuing to fine tune their plans ahead of the World Cup, Dunkley will be eager to strengthen her case with a statement innings in Taunton.
Read more: ENG vs IND, 3rd WT20I: Series decider awaits at Taunton
Big score could be just around the corner
Wyatt-Hodge, however, insisted the signs are already there.
Reflecting on Dunkley’s recent form during her media briefing, she said the opener deserved credit for maintaining an aggressive mindset.
“I said to her the other day, her intent has been unbelievable.
“You fail more times than not, opening the batting in T20 cricket, that’s just the nature of the game. But she’s thrown herself out there to be brave from ball one, and that’s a credit to her.
“I’m so proud of her, and she looks really good, and I think a big score is just around the corner. Hopefully here at Taunton, it’s normally quite a nice batting track. So yeah, I’m expecting fireworks from Sophia tomorrow night. That would be great for her.”
Dunkley has shown glimpses of her ability throughout the early part of the season without producing the headline-making innings many expect. After a difficult 50-over World Cup campaign in India last year, a substantial score before the tournament would provide a timely confidence boost for both player and team.
Wyatt-Hodge expects ‘fireworks’ from Dunkley
England’s management remains confident that Dunkley can play a leading role at the World Cup, particularly given her track record in the shortest format.
A strong performance in the series finale against India would not only strengthen her credentials but also provide England with valuable momentum ahead of a home tournament where expectations are set to be high.
Family milestone for England opener
Away from cricket, Wyatt-Hodge is also celebrating a memorable personal milestone following the birth of her daughter Daisy just 12 days ago.
The England batter admitted that becoming a parent has been an emotional and transformative experience.
Speaking about family life after rejoining the squad, Wyatt-Hodge said:
“People can tell you things, but until you’re in it, you don’t really get it.
“It’s just incredible. Those first few nights at home were something I’ve obviously never experienced before, but wow, she’s just beautiful. And Georgie, my wife, is doing very well as well. So I’m very proud of my girls. We’ve got a new supporter in Daisy, she can’t wait to come watch us.”
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England focused on World Cup challenge
Back inside the England camp, Wyatt-Hodge said there was a calm confidence surrounding the squad as attention gradually shifts towards the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on June 12.
She acknowledged that excitement around the tournament is growing both within the dressing room and among supporters.
Discussing England’s mood ahead of the competition, she said:
“I’ve not been around the group for that long, but there feels like a very good vibe around the group, a nice calm composed vibe.
“Everyone’s enjoying each other’s company. We’ve got a few more games before the first game of the World Cup, and everyone’s chomping at the bit to get out there whenever we get the opportunity.”
England carry an enviable record into the competition, having won all four World Cups hosted on home soil, including the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009 and the 50-over title in 2017.
The prospect of another home tournament inevitably brings added scrutiny, but Wyatt-Hodge believes England can draw on the lessons learned during that successful campaign.
Speaking about handling expectations, she said:
“You know there’s probably going to be a bit more pressure on us. It’s a home World Cup, but I think we just need to really enjoy the opportunity.
“That’s what we did in the 2017 World Cup. We had an eye on that final at Lord’s, but we just really focused and planned for each game as it comes.”
England will hope a series victory against India provides the ideal springboard into the World Cup. If Wyatt-Hodge’s prediction proves correct, Dunkley’s long-awaited breakthrough may arrive at exactly the right time.
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