Danni Wyatt-Hodge Returns to England Squad for Key T20 Matches Against India
Danni Wyatt-Hodge will make her return to the England cricket squad for the second and third T20 matches against India after recently giving birth to her first child. The 35-year-old opener missed the previous series against New Zealand, but her availability comes as a significant boost for England's preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup. The T20 series against India kicks off on Thursday in Chelmsford, with the second match scheduled for Saturday and the third on Tuesday. Wyatt-Hodge's inclusion is crucial, considering she would have entered the World Cup, starting on 12 June, without any competitive international play this summer. England's squad faces additional challenges as they will also be without captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is sidelined due to a calf injury. In her absence, Alice Capsey showcased her talent, scoring an unbeaten 74 in the first T20 against New Zealand, leading England to victory. Coach Charlotte Edwards expressed uncertainty regarding her best XI, especially with incumbent opener Sophia Dunkley struggling to find form with scores of 8, 26, and 22. Despite not participating in international matches this season, Wyatt-Hodge demonstrated her form earlier with two centuries and a 96 in five 50-over matches for Surrey. Following her recall, Charis Pavely has returned to Warwickshire, while Maia Bouchier remains with the squad for the upcoming series. Additionally, seamer Lauren Filer has been released to play for Durham against Surrey but will rejoin the England squad afterward. The series against India marks England's final competitive matches before the World Cup, with warm-up matches against Australia and India scheduled for 8 and 10 June.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-26