England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge is expecting “fireworks” from struggling opening partner Sophia Dunkley when England play India in the T20 series decider on Wednesday night.
Dunkley has averaged 16.40 in England’s five T20 internationals so far this summer and has scored just 26 runs combined in the two matches against India, so pressure is already mounting on the Surrey star going into the home World Cup.
But Wyatt-Hodge, who is returning for only her second game after giving birth to her first child, backed her long-time teammate in her performance and said it was only a matter of time before Dunkley scored the big score she desperately needed.
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Freya Kemp hit 39 off just 13 balls in England’s second joint 20 against India.
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England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley reveal who the funniest team-mates are who are always late and name the most difficult trainers.
““I told her the other day that I didn’t believe her intentions,” Wyatt-Hodge said.
“In T20 cricket you miss more than you don’t bat, that’s the nature of the game.
“She threw herself at it to be brave from the first ball and that’s to her credit. I’m so proud of her and she’s looking really good and I think a big score is just around the corner. “I hope it’s usually a pretty good batting track here at Taunton.
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Nasser Hussain and Tash Farrant have questioned England’s selection in the 38-run loss to India in the first T20.
“I’m looking forward to the fireworks in Sofia tomorrow night.
“It will be good for her and, as you know, she has had great success with this format in the UK over the last few years.
“And it’s an amazing feeling walking with her. We had a lot of laughs out there. Hopefully we’ll have some more laughs tomorrow. I think there’s a lot of confidence among the group.”
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England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley reveal who the funniest team-mates are who are always late and name the most difficult trainers.
Wyatt-Hodge is no stranger to silverware, having played a key role in England’s 2017 World Cup win. However, they are relishing the opportunity to win another international trophy on their home turf.
“It’s probably a little more pressure on us, it’s a home World Cup, but I think we should really enjoy the opportunity.
“These home World Cups don’t happen very often, so I think I’m going to really enjoy this opportunity anyway.
“And when I’m doing that, I’m doing that and I want to score goals and contribute for my country.
“I know everyone else on our team will be the same, and we take each game as it comes.”
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Highlights of the first T20 between England and India.
England vs India T20I Series Results/Schedule
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Watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live in full on Sky Sports from 12 June to 5 July. Hosts England kick off the tournament with a match against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on the opening night (kick-off 6.30pm). No Sky? Stream with Sky Sports or NOW
