Charlie Dean attributes England’s no-fear’ environment to putting her on a fast track

Charlie DeanEngland’s “no fear” environment helped her to become an international match-winner, after she was initially overlooked for a domestic contract.

Dean, a 20-year-old Southern Vipers offspinner made her international debut against New Zealand in the English summer. She played all five ODIs. She won 4 out 36 in her second match at this stage to help England win the ODIs. Match at Worcester that was affected by rainShe also added three more before Heather Knight‘s century secured a nail-biting win – and the five-match series in the fourth fixture at Derby.

Dean reflected upon the 2017-strong squad she was named in to tour Australia for Women’s Ashes. In February and January, Dean also became one six-player professional contract with the Vipers.

Dean said that it was quite a shock to hear that he was going to be part of the squad for the New Zealand series. “The environment is so welcoming and open that I felt right at home on and off the pitch.

“The team environment encourages people to show their potential and there’s no fear of making mistakes. It’s just a place where you do what you’re told and you can do it, so get out there and do it.”

“Whenever I play cricket, I try to influence the game. I can do that in the field and with the bat. That is what gives me a lot of confidence. The fact that I was able to take four wickets in my second game proved that I can do it, that I can perform on a big stage, which helped me in the subsequent games.”

Although being relative unknown in Australia may offer a temporary advantage, Dean is not fazed by the ferocity and danger of the contest. This is thanks to the advice she received from the England camp.

Dean stated that the rivalry with Australia is something he’s never seen before. “Someone briefed Dean and said that they were quite harsh against the old Pommies. But just be careful and know that you are good enough, and that’s okay.”

“That’s something I can understand and be in my own bubble so that if it gets to me, the battle won’t get too much. It’s something you should always have in your head, and hopefully the things I’ve done to build it up will help me prepare for that.

Dean had to wait a long time to make her England debut. Maia Bouchier and Dean were named in England’s squad for the T20I series with New Zealand. However, they were forced to be isolated because of possible Covid cases in the Vipers team. Bouchier was also included in the Ashes squad and made her international debut at the T20Is.

Dean’s lack red-ball experience makes it difficult for her to be selected for the Test. The Test will open the multi-format Ashes series. Sophie Ecclestone, left-arm spinner, has played three Tests since she was 23 years old. However, the two other frontline spinners in England, Mady Villiers offspinner and Sarah Glenn, have yet to make Test debuts. Sophia Dunkley made her Test debut in June against India. She bowled just one over of her legbreaks, primarily as a batter, and scored a half-century.

Knight, England’s captain, was thrilled by her expanding spin-bowling stock and she supported Dean to offer something “different” in Australia, regardless what format. The Ashes series also included three T20Is (and three ODIs).

Knight stated that they are all in their 20s, which Knight described as “exciting”. “They are all young spinners. Traditional spinners mature in their late 20s or early 30s.

“Charlie has been a great find. She’s been a great addition and has had some success. I think she will be able to handle Australian pitches. She has a lot to do with the ball.

Dean was not only a regular England player, but she also played alongside Knight in London Spirit’s Six-Trick Match. She took six wickets at an economy rate 1.18 runs per ball and averaged 28.00 runs. Knight said, “Her nous probably impressed the most.” “I hadn’t seen much about her before I played with London Spirit.

She’s a very good bowler. Not only does she have the skills but she also knows when to use them. We’ll need to take a look at the selections there, but I believe she has the skills to be successful in all formats. She’s putting her heart and soul into everything.

“The moment I realized we have a player was that game in Worcester, where she took four wickets and played under pressure. That was the big moment.”