Women's WT20: Katherine Brunt on feeling 'sick' and England's tournament hopes
'Mark Robinson has taken me out of my comfort zone'
By David Ruse
Last Updated: 17/03/16 8:54am
Katherine Brunt is an old hand when it comes to major tournaments, displaying nerves of steel in the 2009 World Twenty20 final to record figures of 3-6 and help England beat New Zealand to the title.
But the seamer still gets 'sick' ahead of big events and feels no different with the latest Women's World T20 getting underway in India this week.
Brunt will be a key cog for England as they aim to better their runners-up spot in the previous two editions, with the team pipped by Australia on both occasions, in Sri Lanka in 2012 and Bangladesh two years ago.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Barnsley-born bowler discussed what winning the event would mean to her, the impact of new England coach Mark Robinson and the Yin to her Yang, Anya Shrubsole…
Hi Katherine. You've been around at big events for a while now, but do you still get nervous as a world tournament approaches?
Of course I do! I did wonder when that feeling would go away but it never does. It's always the same and I always feel a bit sick!
How do you think you have changed as a cricketer since you made your England debut in 2004?
I have had to learn different skills along the way and become physically fitter as I play all three formats - I want to have a long career so I have had to manage my back. I'm still learning all the time, especially with new England coach Mark Robinson on board.
What has he brought to your game?
He has made me feel like there is more left in the old horse yet! He is all for taking you outside of your comfort zone - that's not really what I do personally, but it has helped me realise that I need to push myself and that I can work on my failings.
As a former fast bowler, has Mark had a few tips and tactics for you?
Not really. He has spent a lot of time getting to know the team and also focussed on our batting style and how we are going to approach an innings. He wants us to be positive and aggressive and that's how I play my cricket, with both bat and ball. I'm quite a fiery character on the pitch and like to take on shots and take on anyone who comes at me. That's what Mark is pushing from numbers one to 11. We haven't perfected that style yet - it always takes time with a new coach - but we are well on the way.
Can you reassure us that the back injury that disrupted your recent tour of South Africa has cleared up?
Yes, I feel great. I had a long winter season abroad and technically no time off since the end of the English county season to stop and collect myself physically and mentally. I got to a point where I needed that break before the World T20 so, while it was disappointing to cut my South Africa trip short, my back is now in the best shape it's been in for a while. I'm definitely ready to go.
You seem confident and your team must be, too, after reaching the last two World T20 finals?
We don't like being runners-up, that's for sure! I think there are at least four teams, possibly six, competing at the same level so it's not dead-set for anyone. It's anyone's game and will be about who handles the pressure best.
A key for England could be the way you and Anya Shrubsole perform with the ball up front. Why do you think you work so well as a partnership?
Mainly because one of us swings it in and the other swings it away. We feel like we can keep a left-right batting combination on their toes - I feel I have a great off-cutter and she has a great leg-cutter, so we are Yin and Yang. If one of us is getting through dot balls, the other is taking wickets. In world cricket, I think we are right up there in partnerships.
Are you also Yin and Yang as people?
It's quite funny actually. We have been doing these tests recently to see how you are in yourself and in a working environment and how you can work with your team-mates better - and Anya and I are on completely different ends of the scale in terms of personality. Everything I do annoys her and everything she does annoys me, so it's bizarre we work so well together. I guess, though, that you become a different person on the pitch - I know I certainly do.
You've been in India for a few days now. Have you managed to get out and about?
Not just yet. We've been quite happy to stay in one place as a team and really train and rest well. Sometimes you have to sacrifice the touristy things when you want to win so I guess we'll save that for after the tournament has finished. We want to stay focussed.
What would it mean to you to win the World T20?
It's why I play. World Cups are the pinnacle of our game and why I train so hard. You always get a certain feeling when you come to these events as all the teams are giving it everything, we play alongside the men and the media coverage is ramped up. It's brilliant - I love the pressure, I love the hype and it brings out the best in me.
Watch England Women's World T20 opener against Bangladesh from 9.30am, Thursday, Sky Sports 2.