England Women's Spinner Sees Scrutiny as Boost After Tough Winter

As of October 7th, 2025, the England women's cricket team is working to bounce back from a challenging period. In the last year, the team was knocked out of the T20 World Cup at the group stage by West Indies and subsequently thrashed 16-0 by Australia in the Women's Ashes.

However, spinner Charlie Dean, who was part of those squads, sees the increased scrutiny the team has faced as a positive development. The 24-year-old told BBC Sport that the challenges have made the team "tougher" and they are now adopting a "really positive" approach to regain their "mojo".

The Ashes fallout saw England criticized for their fitness and attitudes, but their 10-wicket thrashing of South Africa in the Women's World Cup opener last Friday felt like a statement win under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt and coach Charlotte Edwards. Linsey Smith starred with three wickets, while Dean took 2-14 on a pitch that offered plenty of assistance for the spinners.

While Dean is cautious about getting carried away, she believes the team is becoming "tougher" and more resilient through these experiences. As they prepare to face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the coming weeks, the England women's team is determined to put their difficult winter behind them and regain their form on the global stage.