Devon starlet plays her part

DEVON'S Heather Knight just missed out on a half century on her debut for England's Women's XI in the two-wicket win over Indian in Bangalore, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

links of london charms Knight, called into the full squad last week from an academy tour as injury cover, was called up after England had lost three of their first four games in the one-day series.

There was nothing Knight, who plays in the men's 1st XI for Plymstock, or anyone else could do to change the outcome of the series by then. But she played her part in a morale-boosting win for England ahead of the Twenty20 series staring in Mumbai on Thursday.

Knight, who is 19, top scored with 49 as England chased down 207 to win in the last over. After Knight got out England slipped to 133 for five before fellow debutante Danielle Wyatt marshalled the bottom half of the order with an unbeaten 28 to win the game with a ball to Clip on charms spare.

Although she was disappointed to miss out on a half-century on debut, Knight was more than satisfied with the victory and England's performance.

"I didn't actually know what I was on when I got out so I wasn't too pleased," she said. "We were pretty confident that we were going to get it most of the way through. The run-rate got quite high, almost seven an over, and Danielle Hazell and Danielle Wyatt put on a quick partnership and brought us back into the game really.

"It was quite nerve-wracking watching those last few overs.

"I've known Dani (Wyatt) for a while now. We came through the academies system and our counties are in the same league so I have played against her a fair few times. So it was good to have someone else in the same position (on debut)."

Wyatt, who plays replica breitling watches for Staffordshire, said it wasn't the first time she had gone in to bat with half the side out, but she was determined to enjoy her debut despite the pressure.

"The first ball I was facing was from Jhulan Goswami, who is one of the best bowlers in the world, so I just ran her down to third man and got the one," said Wyatt.

"And from there I hit the bad balls, ran hard and I can't believe that we got over the finishing line. So I am really excited and happy."

10:27 - 2010-Apr-28 - post comment