Charlie Dean believes the “chaos” of England’s rain-hit second T20I against New Zealand at Hove will be vital preparation for the World Cup in October.
After a two-hour rain interruption, England secured a 23-run win via DLS in the second women’s T20I after posting 89-6 and New Zealand were forced to retire due to rain, needing 48 runs from 14 deliveries.
The win gives England a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series, with Heather Knight’s side changing their bowling line-up throughout the match to prepare for the Bangladeshi conditions that the World Cup will offer.
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Charlie Dean took two superb wickets in a single over for England against New Zealand
Dean, who took two wickets in a single over to help nullify New Zealand’s run chase, believes England’s ability to adapt in such pressurised situations will stand them in good stead when it comes to being flexible on the biggest stage.
“I heard Heather Knight say in the post-game interview that he was pretty good at managing chaos,” Dean said.
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England captain Heather Knight said her side performed brilliantly under pressure in their second T20I win over New Zealand
“In Bangladesh, things don’t always go as planned, so being able to adapt very quickly, just being able to adapt, is really valuable to us. Flexibility with the team, things like that.
“We are looking to explore our options, particularly in terms of the number of spinners we play with.
“I think we have to make sure that all the players are ready at all times to play if they are called up.
“Our practice has been quite refined on how we have to play in Bangladesh in terms of batting.
“We’re really trying to improve ourselves physically as well.
“We have an eye on Bangladesh, but we are still present and want to participate in these games as well.”
Despite his brilliant form, Dean insists complacency is not a factor for England and it is a great sight to see players like Alice Capsey batting even if it results in a dismissal at the end.
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Alice Capsey made two superb catches for England
“I think we’re not even thinking about complacency. We’re looking to improve every game we play, every training session we have,” she added.
“No matter who we play or what we do, we just want to execute our plans and go out there and do the best we can for our country.
“It’s great that Capsey got an opportunity today, we know how bright and fiery she is. To play her shots on the pitch and clear the rope on the pitch at Hove is pretty impressive.
“It’s really nice to see our hitters play like that.
“The depth of our team makes it easy for our top hitters to play the way they do because they’re not really afraid of getting knocked out.”
Thursday July 11, 6:30 p.m.
Watch the third T20I between England and New Zealand on Thursday, July 11, live on Sky Sports from 6:15pm (first ball 6:30pm). Stream the series contract-free with NOW.
