Charlie Dean, the vice-captain of England, believes that the arrival of captain as head coach and Natalie Skyavor-Bunt as Charlotte Edwards has injected a new sense of energy, focus and purpose in the national side. As England prepare to face Bangladesh, Dean considered how the leadership pair had already left their mark, which he described for the group “a fresh start”.
“Yes, I think Net and Loti feel that it sounds like a new beginning for all of us,” said Dean. “The players of the team may not have changed much, but the way we are going to things. We are really specific about how we go about our ODI cricket – meditation to expand it, to show that hunger to show our grit and determination – this is something we are buying.”
The dean, who captured the sub-captaincy before the series, spoke highly with the impact of Edwards after taking charge. Known for its cool appearance and strategic skills, the former England captain has quickly earned the trust of players. “Loti’s coach that really read the game well,” said Dean. “When she talks through things, it suddenly makes sense. Cricket can be a complex game, but he has the ability to simplify things and focus on the correct details. Breaking things down, going down the nuances – it really helps us as a group. It is a great atmosphere.”
As the vice-captain, the Dean sees its role as both auxiliary and strategic-ensuring that the screver-brorant needs to be effectively leading to lead to the steps when necessary. “I think my job is a bit of a sounding board for NAT,” he explained. “I want to make sure that he has everything that he needs to be clear in his decisions and is the best version of myself for the team. I am not a person who is going to come forward with a dozen views at a time, but I like to think deeply about the game and help in speaking when I see something.”
Dean also praised the depth of leadership within the side, especially returning Heather Night. Dean said, “Heather has been fantastic since returning from injury.” “It is really valuable to tap his experience and knowledge. We are learning from each other every day, and it actually feels like a new chapter for us as a group.”
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