England call-up thrills Danielle
Jun 11 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
DURHAM all-rounder Danielle Hazell intends to make the most of her first call-up by helping England to confirm their global supremacy in the Twenty20 World Cup.
The 21-year-old, whose mean off-spin caught the eye of selectors, was a surprise late addition to the squad in place of the injured Anya Shrubsole – and she doesn’t intend to let the opportunity pass.
Hazell, who represents Yorkshire despite her roots in the west Durham village of Waterhouses, has progressed through the Durham Academy to the national side after being inspired by her dad Geoff, a former village cricketer with Bearpark.
The Twenty20 World Cup is an all-together grander stage for her to exhibit her talent, and with expectations high on an England side that are hosting the tournament, she will have to be at her best to hold her own among such revered company.
Charlotte Edwards’ England side won the one-day 50 overs World Cup last year, and are the current holders of the Ashes, so there is plenty of justification for their status as holders.
Hazell is determined to prove her worth now she has been handed an unexpected chance to join England’s bid to lift the first women’s Twenty20 World Cup.
The hosts’ tournament begins in Taunton this afternoon against India before they play Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their remaining group games. “I am absolutely thrilled to get the call-up, I’ve always wanted to be involved and now I’ve just got to make the most of it,” she said.
“This is something you dream of. It’s unfortunate that someone else had to get injured for me to come in but I now have to give it my best shot. If I do that, hopefully I can be part of the team for a while, but my focus is just on showing that I can step up to this level.
“Twenty20 is a completely different game to the Tests but I enjoy it and hopefully I can contribute with bat and ball to the effort. Of course we’ve got a good chance – we’re the favourites and that comes with a bit of pressure but if we play our normal game, then we’ve got a chance.”
