CLITHEROE spinner Alex Hartley is hoping she has done enough to put her name on the England Women’s cricket selectors’ radar, after impressing on the Academy tour to Dubai.
The 21-year-old took 10 wickets in four ODI clashes against Australia Women Shooting Stars, with returns of 4-41 and 4-44 in England’s crucial last two games.
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It was a tour of mixed fortunes for England, who lost out both T20 games, although they tied the ODI series at 2-2.
And with Hartley now having travelled to a 12-day batting and spin bowling development camp in Sri Lanka with some of England’s senior side, the orthodox left-armer is hoping she can impress the people that matter even further.
“It was of course disappointing not to win any games in the T20 series but finishing the ODI’s with a draw was a huge bonus,” she said.
“Everyone was going well by the final ODI game which was great to see, but obviously we still have work to do having not done so well in the T20s.
“The last ODI was probably the main highlight for me as I took 4-41 and we ended up winning, and the experience of playing out there was great as it prepares you for the next level up with the England girls.
“It was fantastic to get my name out there and I’m sure with the start of the English season coming up it will be good preparation and I know I’m in good form.”
Hartley was part of the England Women’s senior set-up six years ago, but has only come back into the international fold in the last year.
She added: “I’m not sure whether I’ll have done enough to earn a selection for the summer Ashes squad, but I’ve definitely got my name out there and shown what I do.
“This is my first year in the academy so it’s probably a bit early for that, but this was my first tour away and that experience was fantastic for me. All the girls get on really well, so to get to go away and play cricket with a great group of friends is amazing.”
- England will take on Australia on home soil in the Women’s Ashes this summer – for further information and ticket details, visit www.ecb.co.uk
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