England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge has backed opening partner Sophia Dunkley despite her run of low scores in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
Having been dropped on nought, Dunkley was out for 10 in Saturday’s second T20 against India and has a highest score of 26 in her five internationals this summer.
Wyatt-Hodge’s return on Saturday after the birth of her child has created a logjam at the top of the order, but 27-year-old Dunkley was retained as opener.
“Her intent has been unbelievable,” Wyatt-Hodge said.
“You fail more times than not opening the batting in T20 cricket – that’s just the nature of the game.
“She’s thrown herself out there to be brave from ball one and that’s a credit to her. I’m so proud of her.
“She’s looked really good and I think a big score is just around the corner.”
Dunkley has consistently been one of England’s openers since Charlotte Edwards’ tenure as coach began at the start of last summer.
An unbeaten 81 against West Indies and 75 against India are her two fifties in 12 innings in that time.
Dunkley’s retention upon Wyatt-Hodge’s return was a clear sign of England’s thinking.
Alice Capsey, who made a match-winning 74 not out against New Zealand last month when standing in for Wyatt-Hodge, was pushed down to number four.
Discussion over the England top order’s ability to hit boundaries was dampened by Freya Kemp’s hitting in the win in Bristol on Saturday and the line-up is likely to remain for Tuesday’s series decider in Taunton.
Dunkley also made a 51-ball century as opener during England’s intra-squad series in South Africa in March.
A further decision will need to be made, however, once captain Nat Sciver-Brunt recovers from her calf injury, possibly in time for next week’s official warm-ups against India and Australia.
Those are England’s final fixtures before the World Cup begins on 12 June.
“I’ve opened the batting with Sophia Dunkley for a number of years now and we all know how good Sophia is at taking the game on from ball one at her best,” Wyatt-Hodge said.
“It’s not an easy thing to do, especially when the ball’s swinging and moving off the pitch.
“Dunks has been so successful at the top and we’ve put some good partnerships on together, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there with her tomorrow [Tuesday] and in the World Cup as well.”
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