DANNI’S WORLD UNDER THE HAMMER

ENGLAND women are fully focused on this month’s World Cup in South Africa – and not distracted by individual hopes of winning a contract in the new Women’s Premier League, which will kick-off in March.

Danni Wyatt (left) is one of the England players who has thrown her hat into the ring for the WPL competition – the women’s IPL – with the player auction scheduled to take place on February 13 in Mumbai.

But despite the prospect of landing a huge payday, Wyatt insists that there’s only one big event occupying England minds – their opening World Cup Group B match against the West Indies this Saturday.

It’s 14 years since England’s sole Women’s T20 World Cup triumph, but they are one of the favourites this time round. Wyatt, a 50-over World Cup winner in 2017, said: “To be standing there holding the T20 World Cup trophy on February 26 is what we want, a dream come true.

“I’ve registered for the WPL auction – I’m pretty sure that everyone has registered because I don’t see why you wouldn’t. There has been a bit of talk about it – but no one really knows what’s going to happen.”

Wyatt is now one of the most experienced players in this England side – with 138 T20 caps to her name – and the game of today could hardly be further removed from the one she entered as a teenager back in 2010.

“As a top-order batter there’s always going a certain responsibility,” she said.

“But there’s probably more responsibility than ever now, as I’m getting older and the young ones are coming through. It’s my job – and Katherine Sciver-Brunt’s job, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s job – to set an example and be role models for the younger players in the squad.

“That’s what happened when I was younger. I’d look up to Charlotte Edwards, Lydia Greenway and Jenny Gunn.

“I’m 31 now – but it feels like my England career has gone so quick. I still feel like one of the youngsters!”