England Women find themselves on the back foot in their home T20I series against India, having lost the opening two matches. As the pressure mounts ahead of the third T20I, former England captain and current middle-order anchor Heather Knight has issued a firm call for change, urging the team management to shake up the misfiring playing XI in a bid to stay alive in the series.
In an interview following England’s 24-run defeat in the second T20I in Bristol, Knight didn’t mince words about the team’s struggles, particularly in the bowling department. With India dominating key phases of the matches and England unable to find answers, the veteran who’s currently injured, believes it’s time to rethink selections and bring in more control and match-winning options, notably Charlie Dean.
“Charlie Dean is one of your best five bowlers and she needs to play. She is a brilliant match-up against Smriti Mandhana with a real good strike rate in the past in the Powerplay taking wickets and she is great in the field, so I imagine Charlie Dean will come in. For me she would have started the series as she is an exceptional player,” Knight stated.
Knight believes England face two key selection decisions if they are to accommodate Charlie Dean in the playing XI, with the most straightforward option being a like-for-like swap with fellow spinner Linsey Smith. The left-arm spinner has struggled to make an impact so far, going wicketless in the opening two T20Is. In contrast, Knight feels Dean’s greater variety and ability to trouble India’s top order could offer a much-needed edge in the bowling attack.
Knight suggested that England have two primary options to consider when making room for Charlie Dean in the XI. One route would be to rest one of the seamers and play only two frontline pace options. The other would be to drop Linsey Smith, who, despite a strong showing against the West Indies, has struggled in the ongoing series. Knight pointed out that Smith has appeared vulnerable in the first two T20Is, failing to vary her pace according to the conditions and lacking the accuracy that had made her effective in previous outings.
Despite the back-to-back losses, Knight urged the team to stay mentally strong and focused. “I think it is important that they don’t go into their shells and that spirits remain high. You can’t feel sorry for yourself and that is the main thing they (team management) will pass on. You can’t feel down, and we are still in this series. Yes, we can improve on this, yes, we can do this better, and they will try and build that confidence back up,” Knight added.
The third T20 International match, now a must-win for England, offers a chance not only to stay alive in the series but also to reclaim confidence and rhythm, meanwhile, India will look to seal the series.
(Quotes sourced from Sky Sports)
