Sophia Dunkley Earns ODI Recall After Domestic Resurgence
Sophia Dunkley has regained her place in England’s ODI squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand, after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. The 25-year-old had lost her spot in the national team’s top order over the winter, but has now convinced the selectors with her form on the domestic circuit.
Dunkley, who is the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with 293 runs at an average of 97.66 and a strike rate of 83.00, has scored a century and a half-century for her regional team, South East Stars. She also scored two more half-centuries last week in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition.
“Her performance across the domestic game has been outstanding and she earned the right to be back in this squad through performance.”
- Jon Lewis, England women’s head coach
England women’s head coach, Jon Lewis, lauded Dunkley’s recent performances, saying, “Her performance across the domestic game has been outstanding and she earned the right to be back in this squad through performance.” Lewis had previously challenged Dunkley to rediscover “her best cricket” after the batter lost her place in the team following a lean run of form during England’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
Dunkley will face stiff competition to regain a regular spot in the top order, with the likes of Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Danni Wyatt, and Alice Capsey all vying for the coveted positions. However, her impressive domestic displays have earned her a recall, and she will be eager to make the most of the opportunity when England take on the White Ferns.
The 14-player ODI squad named by England also features the core group that recently won the series against Pakistan, with Kate Cross and Lauren Bell leading the seam attack, and the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean all included.
England will be looking to continue their strong form in the 50-over format when they host New Zealand, having won the ODI series 2-1 during their tour of the country earlier this year.
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