MCC delight at Atkins recall

The recall of Caroline Atkins to the England squad for the forthcoming tour to Sri Lanka and India is reward for her impressive first year as an MCC Young Cricketer.

The 24-year-old batting all-rounder has taken the place of the retired Clare Taylor in the squad for this winter, with her previous England experience on the sub-continent counting in her favour.

In 2002 Atkins became the first woman to graduate from one of the University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (Durham), which are now funded and directed by MCC, and in 2005 she became the fifth woman to be selected for the MCC Young Cricketers.

The MCC Young Cricketers are based at Lord’s throughout the season, and boast previous graduates such as Ian Botham, Mark Waugh, Hamish Marshall and Alex Gidman.

Caroline Atkins

MCC head coach and former England batsman Clive Radley said: “We are delighted to hear the news of Caroline’s recall to the England squad.

“She has had a very productive first year as an MCC Young Cricketer, impressing us all with her dedication and enthusiasm; we look forward to working with her again next season and hope to build on this success.”

England women’s chairman of selectors Mike Griggs added: “Caroline has four Test and six one-day international appearances under her belt, and previous touring experience of India, so we have always known her capabilities.

“However, we were looking for a bit more consistency in performance and an improved strike-rate at the crease.

“Her selection for this tour to Sri Lanka and India reflects the hard work she has put into her game in 2005, and the expert coaching she has received from Clive Radley and his MCC colleagues at Lord’s.

“Her all-round skills will make her invaluable on this tour and we are confident that she will produce the goods on the sub-continent.”