The England Women’s wicketkeeper picks the best XI she has played with and against in her career.
Charlotte Edwards – England
Her record is brilliant and she is, in my eyes, the best batsman in the world. It has been somewhat odd but kind of incredible playing with her. You grow up watching someone like Charlotte and all of a sudden you are standing at the non-striker’s end. It is just a masterclass sometimes.
Phil Simmons – retired
I played with him in a charity game and I have never seen a ball hit so hard in all of my life. I was still at school and I must have only been about 16 – I think it was a Lashings game – and then we kept in touch. With the control of Edwards, someone like Phil will complement her quite nicely at the top of the order.
Karen Rolton – retired
We played together when I was out in Australia for a winter. Regardless of how she did in that game, it is a little bit like Charlotte – her record speaks for itself. She is an aggressive batsman but could also bat for time if needed. She is a determined player and could bat all day at three and the way she was never happy with 100 is a great lesson for young players.
Sarah Taylor – England
It’s my team so I have to be in it. I would bring some good banter – complete rubbish comes out of my mouth at times and I think Charlotte Edwards can vouch for that. Hopefully a bit more of an aggressive number four to bat around Karen and the next couple of people coming in the team.
Arran Brindle – retired
She is your rock of the innings. She just picks up runs – all of a sudden you look up and she is on 30 or 40. She is a gutsy, feisty player. Away from the pitch she’s not as witty as me. Things are funny from her because of her dirty northern accent, which I think she won’t mind me saying.
Sophie Devine – New Zealand
I have gone for quite an attacking team, haven’t I? She is a free-flowing middle-order batsman who can hit the ball pretty far. I played with her out in Australia when I was there in the winter and she is pretty useful with the ball as well, which would give this team a nice balance.
Tatenda Taibu – retired
He can take the gloves. When I played with him, he made one of the most incredible diving stops. It was a bit like a cartwheel and it was ridiculous – I’ll never forget it. He is quite quiet but one of those guys who just loves his cricket. A really nice guy and not bad with the bat either.
Max Waller – Somerset
I played in a charity game with him three or four years ago – I think it was a Giles Clarke XI. I had to keep to his bowling and it was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do. His googly bounced more than his stock ball and the whole thing was just very difficult, and it must have been even worse to bat against.
Nantie Hayward – retired
The man has absolute gas. I’m not going to lie, I don’t think I ever watched him back in the day, but I managed to play with him in a charity game recently. The poor boys couldn’t get a bat on it, and there’s no wonder with the speed he was bowling!
Katherine Brunt – England
She is aggressive and passionate – just the sort of player you want on your team. She wears her heart on her sleeve and will give you everything. She’s also loud – you can definitely hear her before you see her. You know exactly what you are going to get with her and you’re just glad she’s on your side.
Kate Cross – England
She’s my best mate but also a very good cricketer. Her success in the Ashes Down Under with the ball was great and she is a ‘see ball, hit ball’ kind of batsman. It is great to see her making headlines in men’s cricket too and I think that has probably made her a better player – and we are reaping the rewards of that.
This piece originally featured in The Cricket Paper on Friday July 10, 2015
