England vs New Zealand: Dani Gibson primed to play huge part in ODI series ahead of T20 World Cup
Dani Gibson, the most expensive player in the women's Hundred auction, is primed to make a huge impact in a vital summer for England; Watch England's third and final ODI against New Zealand, in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Saturday
Friday 15 May 2026 17:32, UK
The most expensive English woman in the Hundred auction is ready to make her mark on the international stage.
All-rounder Dani Gibson has bounced back from an injury-riddled spell which had kept her out of England action since March 2025.
She had made a strong start to 2026, making her first England ODI appearance on the back of securing her record-breaking £190,000 contract for Sunrisers Leeds.
A washout on Wednesday prevented Gibson from bettering her score of 19 in the first ODI against New Zealand - but, with a T20 World Cup on the horizon, it's safe to say she doesn't plan on stopping there.
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"It was a special moment," said Gibson, reflecting on her first international appearance for over a year. "I think it's been obviously a tough period with my injuries.
"[It was] just great to be back out there, and have all the hard work that's been put in from me. The science and medical team to get me back out there on the pitch as the all-rounder that I want to be.
"It's been a long, long time coming but yeah, it's really nice to get out there. I guess with all the injuries that I've had, there's always the doubt that you might not be fit.
"I think it was just trying to really take it step by step and celebrate each little milestone, however small it might be. I'm just really happy to be able to be fully fit and just be with the team. It's going to be an exciting summer.
Gibson is tipped to be a valuable piece of England's puzzle. She boasts impressive experience for her age, with 22 international T20 appearances at just 23 years old, and her 100.00 strike rate in her cameo at the crease last Sunday demonstrated the kind of quick scoring which is vital for both T20 and ODI cricket.
She also chipped in with the wicket of New Zealand captain Melie Kerr, beginning a pivotal late-game surge that saw England take the last seven wickets for just 63 runs - and Gibson is optimistic that this is just the start of a productive summer for her side.
"I've been out of it for a while, so it's just nice to be back. Everyone seems in a really good place. We've had some really good time together over the last week, had some good conversations, some good periods of training together in the winter.
"I think the team's in a really good space - it should be a good summer."
Watch England's third and final ODI against New Zealand, in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Saturday (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
