By Stephan Shemilt

Wyatt has previously been part of the England academy

Sporting success generally does not come without desire, commitment and talent.

For Danielle Wyatt, the newest member of the England women's squad, the talent was instantly apparent.

"I went along to one of my older brother's net sessions when I was 10," Wyatt told BBC Sport. "I had a bowl, enjoyed it and carried on going.

"My brother ended up quitting because I was better than him, but now he likes to tell me that I'm where I am today because of him."

Now 18, Wyatt has been included in the England squad for the first time for the tour of India, where the World Cup, World Twenty20 and Ashes holders will take on the hosts in five one-day and three Twenty20 internationals.

"Even though I've been around the squad for a little while I was still surprised to get the call," added the off-spinner.

"I did well last summer for the England academy and I suppose that's what got me on the tour."

Having begun her cricketing career with North Staffordshire club Whitmore, Wyatt has long been touted as a future international.

Her chance has come after fellow spinner Holly Colvin was ruled out of the tour by her university commitments and Wyatt is determined to make the most of her opportunity.

ENGLAND WOMEN IN INDIA 17/02 - KCSA XI, Bangalore 19/02 - 1st ODI, Bangalore 21/02 - 2nd ODI, Hyderabad 24/02 - 3rd ODI, Hyderabad 26/02 - 4th ODI, Vizag 01/03 - 5th ODI, Vizag 04/03 - 1st T20, D Y Patil 06/03 - 2nd T20, Mumbai 08/03 - 3rd T20, Mumbai

"I always thought that I would have a chance of playing for England, but maybe not for a couple more years," said the Staffordshire player.

"I want to go out there and enjoy it, try and get the basics right and not put too much pressure on myself.

"I've been picked mainly as a bowler so will probably start down the order, even though I've been batting well in the nets.

"Hopefully I can my make my way up the order. You never know what can happen on tour, someone might get injured or ill and that can give you a chance."

Aware of the strengths and weaknesses in her game, Wyatt is focussed on her ambition to make a career out of cricket and already has the next steps in her development mapped out.

She has earned a contract as an MCC young cricketer and will train at Lord's full-time this summer, leaving current club Meir Heath to join Gunnersbury in the Women's Premier League South.

However, she acknowledges that the opportunities available may not have been possible had it not been for the success of the players that have gone before her.

"Five or 10 years ago there was hardly any coverage of the game, but now we've progressed so far that players can even earn central contracts," said Wyatt.

"Before, some players had to retire at an early age because they couldn't afford to keep playing.

"Since Clare Connor has been in charge of the game, much has improved. There's been a big change in attitude and that's been helped by the success of the national side."

From trying the game for the first time in the nets with her brother to being called up to the England squad, success has come quickly for Wyatt but, refreshingly, there is no hint of her taking anything for granted.

"I don't know what that's down to, but I do love playing cricket," said Wyatt. "I enjoy it - from all the training to playing in the back garden with my little brother.

"Cricket has given me a lot. I can train every day and have the opportunity to travel all over the world."

The achievements of the England women's team has made captain Charlotte Edwards and batter Claire Taylor well-known names among cricket fans, but continued success and a rapidly rising profile could soon breed the first household name.

As well as the desire, commitment and talent, Danielle Wyatt has the looks and personality to become just that. Remember the name.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version