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Wyatt: ‘I’ve Wanted A T20 World Cup More Than Anything’
Wyatt: ‘I’ve Wanted A T20 World Cup More Than Anything’
Southern Vipers and England batter Danni Wyatt is on her way to her sixth T20 World Cup, but the batting powerhouse is yet to get her hands on the trophy
In just her fourth IT20, a 19-year-old Danni Wyatt stepped out to bat at number eight against South Africa in the 2010 Women’s World T20.
She didn’t face a ball, but took 4-11 in three overs as South Africa were bowled out for just 85 in pursuit of 142.
It was England’s only win of the tournament, as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages, losing to the hosts, West Indies, and the eventual winners, Australia.
It wasn’t until late that same year that England gave Wyatt a chance at the top of the order against Sri Lanka, and it took until 2017 for England to cement her as a permanent opener in T20Is – a position which Wyatt has now made her own as she scored two centuries in three innings.
Into her 13th year of international cricket, Wyatt is more determined than ever to make sure her sixth time in a World Cup squad is the time she finally gets her hands on the elusive trophy.
Speaking to BBC Solent, Wyatt said: “I was trying to count how many World Cups I’ve been in, but I actually couldn’t remember.
“Every World Cup I get selected in, it’s always a very special moment and I never, ever take it for granted.”
The explosive opening batter topped the averages as England defeated the West Indies 5-0, and she scored 90 runs at a mammoth strike rate of 140.62 – only fellow Viper Maia Bouchier and Central Sparks’ Sarah Glenn scored at a quicker rate on the tour.
With the recent appointment of new head coach Jon Lewis, Wyatt believes their approach can take them far into the World Cup.
“We’ve had a fantastic tour over in the Caribbean,” she said.
“[Jon Lewis] is trying to install into our heads to always take the positive option in whatever we do, and it’ll give us the best chance of beating anyone.”
England acquired series wins against both South Africa and India last summer, but fell to a disappointing fourth place in the Commonwealth Games.
With five of England’s squad facing their first T20 World Cup, they’ll be determined to right their mistakes from their previous experiences of tournament cricket.
Wyatt said: “We’ve got to have our plans in place, take each game as it comes, be calm and relaxed.
“In World Cups, people can get a bit nervous. I’ve got the experience now of knowing how things change in World Cups compared to a normal international game, it is different, it’s really weird.
“It’s all about, you know mentally you can do it, but if we stay together as a team and back each other and have fun, we’ll end up with a good chance.”
When it comes to experience, there aren’t many around still playing with as many games under their belt as Danni Wyatt.
“There was a record in the summer where I was joint top with Rohit Sharma for the most IT20s,” she said.
“There’s a few of us now that keep overtaking each other. I’ve played that many T20s but for now I’m just taking each game as it comes and I’m like ‘Oh, just beat Rohit Sharma’s record.’”
The Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday 10th February in South Africa, with England’s first game taking place on Saturday 11th February against West Indies.
