England all rounder Charlie Dean is loving being part of Somerset’s first ever professional women’s cricket team and can’t wait to get started.
“The reception that I have been given since joining Somerset has been amazing,” the 24 year old said.
“The men have been really accommodating for us moving into their space, there has been and an upgrade to the gym and our changing rooms, and we have made to feel really welcomed. Somerset really want to make us feel part of the club that has had a really long history and success within the men’s game and this feels like an exciting new era for women’s cricket.
“I have been incredibly lucky that my first job out of university has been as a professional cricketer, which five or 10 years ago is something that wouldn’t have been imagined. I am lucky that the systems are now in place and young girls can see a pathway and can make a living out of playing the game they love.”
READ MORE: Somerset star Heather Knight to step down from England captaincy
Along with all of the other players in the women’s squad Charlie was part of the Somerset Press Day event that took place on Wednesday (March 19).
“Press Day was really lovely because we got to see everyone who is part of the club from the admin to the groundsmen and the players themselves so it great to all come together as a club for photos and some lunch," said Charlie.
“With the media being present it really felt like a launch into the season. I think we are all getting itchy feet now, the sun is trying to creep out and it feels like it’s just around the corner. It felt like a big event yesterday which was really nice and it feels like we are part of something special that is happening.”
Charlie already has a strong association with the ground because she uses Millichamp and Hall bats, which are made just behind the Somerset Cricket Museum.
“I’m an M&H girl and have been since I started playing for England four years ago’ Their bats are one of the best that I have used and they look after me well, so I’m incredibly lucky to have some good kit to play with.”
READ MORE: Jack Leach: Refreshed and ready for action
With Charlie being an England international how much is Somerset likely to see of her?
“I’m going to be available to play for Somerset as much as I possibly can. We have an England series against West Indies in May but I will hopefully be available before then as long as I stay fit and healthy so I will play in all of the early games.”
How does Charlie think Somerset will fare in their first season
“There has been a lot of shifting around among the teams so going into it we don’t know who is favourite which makes it fell like a fresh start and brings excitement. Although we have a young team at Somerset if we have got a bit of England availability with Heather coming in then hopefully we can get some early wins.
“As a club Somerset always want to be pushing for trophies so we will be looking to put ourselves in the mix in the knock out competitions and pushing for places in the eliminators and the finals.”
Finally Charlie had a message for Somerset fans.
“I have played a little bit at Taunton for England and also against Western Storm and I love the ground and the atmosphere that comes with it. I have watched a few T20 Blast games here as well so I’d love to see some good west country support for the women’s stand alone games.”
Charlie added: “I know that people down here love their cricket just like I do, so I’m really excited for the season and feel like there’s fresh faces and it brings a the sense of a new era to women’s cricket.”
