England opener Wyatt-Hodge backs Dunkley despite recent poor form in 2026

Sophia Dunkley remains England’s opening batter despite scoring under 30 in five T20 innings this summer.

Wyatt-Hodge supports Dunkley England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge has publicly backed Sophia Dunkley as her opening partner, despite Dunkley’s recent struggles with the bat ahead of the T20 World Cup. In Saturday’s second T20 against India, Dunkley was dismissed for just 10 runs after being dropped on zero, capping a difficult spell where her highest score this summer stands at 26 in five international matches. Wyatt-Hodge, who returned to action following the birth of her child, admitted that opening the batting in T20 cricket inevitably involves frequent failures, calling Dunkley’s courageous approach ‘a credit to her’ and expressing pride in her teammate. She predicted that a significant innings from Dunkley is imminent, praising her current form and determination. ## Dunkley’s role remains secure Despite Wyatt-Hodge’s return creating competition at the top of the order, Sophia Dunkley has retained her position as England’s opener, signaling the team’s confidence in her abilities. Since Charlotte Edwards took over as head coach at the start of last summer, Dunkley has been a consistent presence at the top, with two half-centuries in 12 innings, including an unbeaten 81 against West Indies and 75 against India. Alice Capsey, who delivered a match-winning 74 not out against New Zealand while standing in for Wyatt-Hodge last month, was moved down to number four in the lineup. The current top-order structure is expected to continue for Tuesday’s decisive final match in Taunton, with strong boundary-hitting performances from Freya Kemp in Saturday’s win at Bristol helping to silence earlier concerns. ## Dunkley’s record and future decisions Sophia Dunkley’s resume includes a 51-ball century as opener during England’s intra-squad series in South Africa in March, highlighting her explosive potential. A further selection decision looms once captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returns from a calf injury, potentially in time for next week’s official warm-up matches against India and Australia. Those fixtures serve as England’s final tune-ups before the T20 World Cup, which begins on 12 June. Wyatt-Hodge emphasized her long-standing partnership with Dunkley, recalling how effective they have been together at the top and expressing excitement about continuing their collaboration in the upcoming matches and the World Cup. ## Recent England success Freya Kemp inspired England to victory over India in Bristol two days ago, contributing significantly to the team’s momentum heading into the series decider. The win in Bristol followed England’s success in the second T20 against India on Saturday, where Wyatt-Hodge made her return after childbirth. The lineup decisions reflect a blend of experience and emerging talent, with Dunkley’s retention underscoring the selectors’ belief in her ability to deliver when it matters most. As England finalizes its squad and strategy ahead of the global tournament, the performances of key players like Kemp and Dunkley will be closely watched.