Charlie Dean is confident she’s reaching her prime as the off-spinner gears up to replicate England’s T20 dominance in the ODI series against South Africa. The 23-year-old played a pivotal role in England’s clean sweep of the Proteas last week, taking six wickets during the 3-0 triumph. With the ODI leg kicking off today, Dean aims to continue her stellar form.
Since signing her first central contract in November 2022, Dean has earned 69 international caps and claimed 108 wickets. England's bowlers, led by Dean, were exceptional in the final T20 match in Centurion, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup. They reduced the hosts to 42-4 during the powerplay before triggering a lower-order collapse that saw South Africa bowled out for 124. England comfortably chased down the target with 9.3 overs to spare.
"I'm starting to come into my own a little more, and I'm feeling more confident in the powerplay," Dean said.
"I think I've also been able to park it when I get hit for runs. In T20 cricket, that's pretty inevitable. But if I can keep trying to get wickets and do what I do best then it will come together."
"I'm really looking forward to the ODI's. It's probably my favourite format of cricket so it'll be nice to play a bit of a longer format, have a 10-over spell and really get into the battle of the game."
Dean combined effectively with Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp, and Lauren Filer to leave South Africa reeling. Speaking about the match, Dean expressed gratitude for bowling alongside Ecclestone and praised the team’s collective effort. She acknowledged that Sarah Glenn, rested for the game, is an integral part of their attack but commended how others stepped up in her absence. She also highlighted the impressive performances of Bell and Filer, who spearheaded England's attack during the powerplay.
Focus on the Present, Eyes on the Ashes
While England's all-format tour of South Africa is their last before the 2025 Ashes in Australia, skipper Heather Knight highlighted staying focused on the current series.
"I think how we've gone about it, particularly in the last two games, has been really pleasing - it's exactly how we want to go about things," said Knight.
"We probably haven't played a huge amount of ODI cricket recently, but it's a format I really enjoy playing, so everyone's pretty excited to get into the longer format and have a little bit more time to execute our skills."
Knight reflected on Freya Kemp’s early departure from the tour due to back injury concerns. Although disappointed to lose the 19-year-old all-rounder, she explained that managing Kemp’s fitness is crucial for her long-term performance, especially with the Ashes on the horizon. Knight remains optimistic about Kemp’s recovery, describing her as an exciting prospect for England’s future.
England’s South Africa Tour Fixtures
T20 Series:
- First T20 (East London): England won by four wickets
- Second T20 (Benoni): England won by 36 runs
- Third T20 (Centurion): England won by nine wickets
ODI Series:
- First ODI: December 4, Kimberley (12 PM)
- Second ODI: December 8, Durban (8 AM)
- Third ODI: December 11, Potchefstroom (12 PM)
Test Match:
- One-off Test: December 15-18, Bloemfontein (8 AM)
With Dean leading the charge and the team in fine form, England looks poised to make their ODI series another memorable campaign while building momentum for the Ashes.