England vs India: Danni Wyatt-Hodge expects ‘firecrackers’ from struggling opening partner in T20 series decider | Cricket news
England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge expects “explosions” from struggling opening partner Sophia Dunkley when England take on India in the T20 series decider on Wednesday night.
Dunkley has averaged 16.40 in England’s five T20 matches so far this summer and has conceded just 26 runs in two matches against India, increasing the pressure on the Surrey star heading into the World Cup on home soil.
But Wyatt-Hodge – who is returning for only her second game since the birth of her first child – has backed her long-term partner to give birth, and says it’s only a matter of time before Dunkley gets the big points she so desperately needs.
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England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley reveal who their funniest team-mate, always late and meanest coach is.
““I said that to him the other day, and his intentions were unbelievable,” said Wyatt-Hodge.
“You fail more times than you don’t open the batting in T20 cricket. That’s just the nature of the game.
“He threw himself out there to be brave from the first ball, and that’s a credit to him. I’m proud of him. And he looks really good. And I think the big points are very close. Hopefully here at Taunton, it’s usually a good batting track.
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Nasser Hussain and Tash Farrant doubted the selection of the England team which lost by 38 runs against India in the first T20.
“I’m expecting fireworks from Sophia tomorrow night.
“That would be good for him. And, you know, he’s been very successful this way in England over the last few years.
“And going out with him is an amazing feeling. We have a good laugh out there. And hopefully we can smile more tomorrow. I think there’s a great feeling of confidence among the team.”
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England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley reveal who their funniest team-mate, always late and meanest coach is.
Wyatt-Hodge is no stranger to silverware, having been a key part of England’s World Cup winning side in 2017, but he is relishing the chance to win another international trophy at home.
“Maybe there will be more pressure on us. It’s a home World Cup, but I think we need to enjoy the opportunity more.
“These home World Cups don’t come around often. So I think that no matter what happens to me, I will enjoy this opportunity very much.
“And when I’m there, I’m there and I’m hungry to score runs and contribute for my country.
“I know everyone else in my team will be the same and 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/matches
At all times in the UK and Ireland, they are all live on Sky Sports
Watch the Women’s World Cup T20 live in full on Sky Sports from June 12-July 5. Hosts England kick off the tournament on the opening night with a match against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston (kick-off 6.30pm). Don’t have Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream NOW
