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All-rounder Danni Wyatt has said that England women will take an “unreal vibe” into their one-day international series against South Africa.
England completed preparations for the series opener on Sunday with a thumping nine-wicket win over an Emerging South African XI in Mamelodi, near Pretoria, today.
Wyatt claimed 3-7 as the hosts were bundled out for just 62 before the runs were knocked off 10.1 overs thanks in large to Amy Jones’ unbeaten 44 from 35 balls.
After starting the tour with an equally impressive 145-run win against the same opposition earlier this week spirits are understandably high.
“There’s an unreal vibe around the group at the minute,” Wyatt told ecb.co.uk.
“Everyone is in really good nick, everyone is bowling really well. There’s good competition for places which is excellent and that’s what we need.”
The upcoming series will be new Head Coach Mark Robinson’s first in charge and he looks like he will have a couple of selection headaches after the whole squad has enjoyed good moments in the two warm-up matches.
Wyatt crashed 60 in the first game, when batting for the South African team, and her bowling return today came after Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole produced another typically impressive new-ball attack.
And that’s it! #EngWomen make light work of the run chase to win by 9 wkts with 39.5 overs in hand. Good job team pic.twitter.com/edlyCDnsuc
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 4, 2016
“I think I took me chance. I just tried to bowl full and straight and make them make the mistakes and try and spin some out,” said Wyatt.
“I’ve just got to do, what I’ve got to do. I’ve been in quite good form over in Australia for the Big Bash with the Renegades and hopefully I can bring that form into this series and see what happens. If I get the chance then great.”
Jones also impressed after being given the chance to open the innings alongside Lauren Winfield for the first time.
The 22-year-old Warwickshire batter missed the tour-opener with bruised knuckles but was hardly troubled as she staked a claim to play in Benoni.
“Amy Jones is very easy on the eye,” Wyatt added.
“She played some amazing shots today. She’s looking in good nick as well. Those pull shot and flicks off the legs – it’s great to see.”
England women can draw level with fourth-placed South Africa in the ICC’s Women’s Championship table with victory in the series opener on Sunday.
The top-four nations in the eight-team table will directly qualify for next year’s World Cup, which will be held in England.
Source: ECB