Susie Rowe gets second chance to live England dream

Rowe is one of four uncapped England players touring Sri Lanka

By Gemma Sterba

Having been born into a sport-mad family, Susie Rowe has always known that she wanted to represent her country at the highest level.

The 23-year-old envisaged it would be on the hockey field, as she excelled at the sport during her school days.

But despite playing for England up to under-21 level she has yet to receive a call-up to the senior side.

However, her dreams of playing international sport remain intact after being included in the England cricket squad for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

With Katherine Brunt, Holly Colvin and Sarah Taylor all missing the trip to the subcontinent, Rowe, along with fellow academy graduates Fran Wilson, Lauren Griffiths and Beth MacGregor, will get the chance to stake a claim for a regular place in Charlotte Edwards' side.

"I never ever thought it was possible with cricket as I was so focused on hockey," Rowe told BBC Radio Kent.

"I just wanted to be the best that I could be and to represent my country.

"I always wanted to progress to the full England [hockey] squad and go to the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, but it didn't work out for me which I was really gutted about.

"But I guess I'm really fortunate in that I've got a second chance with cricket."

Rowe hopes she can play both cricket and hockey at the highest level

The right-handed batter has to juggle cricket training with playing for Canterbury in the England Hockey League Women's Premier Division and a full-time job as a PE teacher.

She had just begun her job at a new school when she received her call-up from head coach Mark Lane.

"I couldn't believe it," Rowe continued. "It was really great news and I was so happy because I used to play for fun and once I realised I had a shot of making it I put in a lot of hard work and training.

"It'll be a fantastic opportunity and I just want to show what I'm capable of and maybe put my name in the pipeline for a future tour."

To help her settle into the England set-up, Rowe will be joined by Kent team-mates Edwards and Lydia Greenaway.

"Charlotte and Lydia have always been the pride of Kent cricket and have gone on to represent England consistently," said Rowe.

"All the girls in the squad are really nice, but when you have people you know so well it really helps.

"I've played under Charlotte's captaincy for years at Kent so hopefully doing that for England won't be too different.

"It could be a lot more daunting stepping up than it is."

Rowe joins an England side that are the current Ashes and World Cup holders and she believes that their pedigree will be too much for the Sri Lankans.

"We've been labelled as a bit of an experimental side but the rest of the players have been in England squads on numerous tours," she said.

"Sri Lanka don't really dominate in the women's game so it won't be a really tough competition.

Rowe's talent for hockey led to a scholarship in the United States

"It's a good opportunity to give players like us a chance, rather than throwing us straight in the deep end in something like an Ashes match."

If she makes the most of her chance in Sri Lanka, the demands that cricket may place on her time could one day force Rowe to choose between the two sports in her life.

It is a decision she is ready to make.

"I would do whatever it takes," Rowe concluded.

"I've contemplated stepping down a level in hockey, not playing in the National League and just playing more recreationally.

"So far I haven't had to do that but if that's what it takes then that's what it will have to be. But it will be a great shame and in all honesty I really hope that won't happen."