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England women's off-spinner Charlie Dean has spoken about the possibility of becoming England's next captain following the sacking of Heather Knight and head coach Jon Lewis after a humiliating 16-0 Ashes defeat to Australia. Dean, 24, is regarded as one of the key contenders for the role, with former England players Lydia Greenway and Alex Hartley backing her as a potential leader.
Charlie Dean
Dean, who made her England debut in 2021, expressed that being considered for such a significant role is a huge compliment. However, she also emphasized her desire to gain more leadership experience before fully committing to the position. "Leadership is something I'm growing into," said Dean in an interview with BBC Sport. "I wouldn't say no, but whether now is the right time, I'm not sure."
Despite the absence of direct conversations about the captaincy, Dean remains focused on her development as a player, preparing for the new women's domestic cricket system with Somerset. This system, which aligns eight counties with men's first-class teams, will mark a new chapter in her career. While the fallout from England's disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia remains fresh, Dean is eager to look ahead to a new era for the team. The series in Australia, she described as "brutal," brought not just performance concerns but also criticisms of the team's attitude and image.
Dean acknowledged the heavy criticism that followed England's performance, where not only their results but also their mental approach was questioned. She cited the team's leadership, including Knight and Lewis, who were criticized for comments made during the series. "We have definitely learned about how we present ourselves," Dean noted, reflecting on the attention the Ashes garnered. "I don't doubt we all give absolutely everything when we are on the pitch, so the fact that we weren't perceived in that way is disappointing."
She also mentioned the team's awareness of the increased scrutiny, stressing how they were committed to doing better for their fans and for themselves.
Regarding Knight, who was sacked as captain after the Ashes loss, Dean expressed deep respect for her predecessor. "Heather has fought so much for us in terms of what we've got in the women's game now," Dean said. "Maybe we let her down with our past performances, but that doesn't take away from everything she's put into the role and she's someone I admire greatly. I'm very glad she'll still be around."
Knight, who is expected to return to the England batting ranks for the upcoming series against the West Indies and India, will continue to play a key role in the team despite no longer holding the captaincy.
New Beginnings with Somerset
In a significant move for her career, Dean will join Somerset for the first time after leaving Hampshire and Southern Vipers, where she was coached by former England captain Charlotte Edwards. Dean spoke highly of Edwards, describing her as "one of the best coaches in the country" and praising her ability to inspire greatness and interact with players.
Edwards' name has been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for the head coach position with England, especially as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) begins its search for a new coach following the sacking of Jon Lewis. The ECB has yet to confirm a timeline for the new appointment or the details of the recruitment process, including whether the Rooney Rule will be applied in the search for the next head coach.
While Dean's future as England's captain remains uncertain, her focus remains on growing as a player and leader, preparing for the challenges ahead. The team is aiming for a fresh start, and with the next season of women's cricket promising exciting developments, Dean is eager to contribute and help England bounce back stronger.
