Dean embraces 2017 flashback ahead of T20 World Cup
England vice-captain Charlie Dean believes a home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup could become another landmark moment for the game.
For Charlie Dean, the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup represents far more than another ICC event.
The England vice-captain, who recently stepped in as stand-in skipper during the white-ball series against New Zealand, has entered the tournament build-up in strong form.
Dean produced an impressive all-round performance in the opening ODI against the White Ferns, earning Player of the Match honours in a thrilling contest that went down to the final wicket.
Now preparing for a home T20 World Cup in England and Wales, Dean believes the tournament has the potential to become another landmark moment for women’s cricket.
“It feels like a brilliant opportunity for us. A home World Cup doesn’t come around very often. We saw the impact that it had on women’s cricket over in India, winning a home 50-over World Cup is huge.
“I guess that happened for us in 2017 and in 2009. It feels like it could be a huge, perfect moment should we get to that final and get across the line. But there’s lots of cricket between now and then,” Dean told ICC Digital.
Dean also reflected on how England’s iconic 2017 World Cup triumph at home turf inspired her own cricket journey.
“I guess being at the stands in the 2017 Home World Cup win was huge for my cricket. Seeing that the girls could perform in front of a massive crowd, and win a huge moment, it sparked something in me that I really wanted to be there too. So it feels pretty full circle being able to participate in a home World Cup.
“And I think when I was watching back in 2017 as a 16 year old, I don’t think I could have dreamed of something like this. To be in a World Cup squad at home feels pretty surreal and to potentially make those life-changing moments for girls watching, for boys watching, and I guess inspire a generation to really go for their dreams and play a bit of cricket feels pretty special,” she expressed.
Dean also pointed towards captain Nat Sciver-Brunt as England’s most influential figure heading into the competition.
“Nat Sciver-Brunt has been amazing for us with bat and ball historically, and it feels like a massive tournament for her going in as captain so you know she’s a key player for us in our team. And any team with Nat Sciver-Brunt on it is one that’s boosted hugely.”
England’s spin resources remain another major strength, with Dean praising the depth available alongside ICC Women’s T20I No.2 ranked bowler Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and teenage spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman.
“It's a privileged position to be part of such a huge spin line-up. Sophie has been the world number one T20I bowler for a number of years, so she's world-class, and Linsey does her role really well with the new ball.
“I guess adding Tilly to our squad, she brings an element of unknown to other teams, but we know how amazing she's been domestically over the past couple of years and the performances she's put in,” she added.
England begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Birmingham on June 12.