ENG W vs IND W 2026: ‘I’m expecting fireworks from Sophia Dunkley’ - Danni Wyatt-Hodge backs her opening partner for big score

Danni Wyatt-Hodge has backed Sophia Dunkley to produce the big score she needs to head into the T20 World Cup with full confidence, following a series of modest returns in England's matches against New Zealand and India. Dunkley has reached double figures in six of her seven innings for club and country this summer, but has yet to score more than 31.

Wyatt-Hodge is on maternity leave for England's first four T20Is against New Zealand and India, while Alice Capsey took advantage of her opportunity at the top of the order with a match-winning innings in Derby. With Nat Sciver-Brunt hopeful of returning to the middle order after recovering from a calf injury, all eyes will be on Dunkley to reassert her claim as a first-choice selection.

"I've opened the batting with Sophia Dunkley for a number of years now, and we all know how good Sophia is. Taking the game on from ball one, that's what she does at her best. It's not an easy thing to do, especially when the ball's swinging a lot and moving off the pitch. But Dunks has been so successful at the top, and we've put some good partnerships together, and I'm really looking forward to getting out there with her tomorrow, and then obviously in the World Cup as well,” said Wyatt-Hodge as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Wyatt-Hodge said she expects a major contribution from Sophia Dunkley as England seek a morale-boosting victory in the series decider against India. The batter endured a difficult campaign at the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in Indian conditions, struggling to convert starts into significant scores.

"I said to her the other day, her intent has been unbelievable. You fail more times than not, opening the batting in T20 cricket, that's just the nature of the game. But she's thrown herself out there to be brave from ball one, and that's a credit to her. I'm so proud of her, and she looks really good, and I think a big score is just around the corner. Hopefully here at Taunton, it's normally quite a nice batting track,” said Wyatt-Hodge.

"So, yeah, I'm expecting fireworks from Sophia tomorrow night. That would be great for her. She's been so successful in this format for England over the last few years, and walking out with her is an amazing feeling. We have a good laugh out there, and hopefully there's a few more smiles tomorrow,” she added.