Yorkshire Women's Cricket Association Pathways to Cricket Excellence

After having nearly two years away from International and County cricket how did it feel to be back playing this year?

There was a mixture of emotions, because of the length of time I’d been out from the game so it was hard to imagine getting back to the standard that playing for England requires. I didn’t know if I would ever get back on form or if my back could take anymore. Twelve months into it I’m delighted to be back amongst such a great bunch of girls and playing the way I hoped I would again.

Considering what you have been through how did it feel to be named Player of the Series against India?

It was a genuine shock and I ended up getting quite emotional in front of a lot of people! Ruining my Yorkshire-lass image!!

I knew that I had contributed well enough in the series but everyone had played well and it had ended up being such a great team effort that I don’t think anyone really knew who would win it. It felt like the icing on the cake for me – I’d worked so hard for so long that it just felt like it was all worth it.

When most of your time is spent training with England how easy do you find it to keep motivated for club and county cricket?

Well I enjoy all forms of cricket and to keep motivated for club and county is very easy. Even if it ends up being an away game that is a really long distance to travel to as soon as I get there the adrenalin kicks in and my winning and motivation is quickly put back on track. I love representing my county and to be part of such a great group of girls makes playing and all the sacrifices it comes with worth the while.

This year is one of the biggest for women’s cricket in recent history with the ICC World Cup, ICC World Twenty/20 and the Ashes against Australia .How do you feel about being part of it all?

It is a massive year for women’s cricket and could potentially be the start of a massive growth in participation and support from crowds that women’s cricket has never seen. It’s very exciting and a huge inspiration for success amongst the team. I feel very honoured to be a part of it.

What are your biggest hopes and fears for the coming year?

My biggest hope is to be a part of the most successful England women’s cricket team ever.

My biggest fear is obviously to lose or perform badly, also the condition of my back and if it will hold out considering the amount of cricket and training we will experience this year.

What impact if any do you think this year could have on women’s cricket in Yorkshire?

We’re hoping as a whole that if everything goes successfully for us this year in terms of England and Yorkshire getting to the first division then I think lots of youngsters will want to eventually be a part of that.

Describe what your preparation has been like as the England squad over the winter?

A lot easier because of the Chance to Shine contracts, there are eight of us on the scheme and it frees a lot of time for us to concentrate on our cricket and it has definitely showed with the amount of success we’ve had over the last year.

What is a ‘normal’ week for Katherine Brunt?

Monday: work, CV work – working on my fitness.

Tuesday: work, weights, indoor cricket nets.

Wednesday: work, hard CV.

Thursday: weights, sprints.

Friday: indoor cricket nets at Loughborough.

Saturday: swimming.

Sunday: sprints (maybe weights)

When did the squad come together ready to go out to the World Cup?

We have been a little spread out this winter: five of the squad have been in Australia for five months already so the people left in sunny England during the winter have been working as a team every fortnight at the national cricket centre in Loughborough, then we flew out to join the others on Feb 19.

Before they set off for Oz some of the England squad, including Katherine, were busy promoting the new kit designed by British Designer Paul Costelloe and rather enjoyed having the opportunity to get ‘girlie’ after a life in tracksuits! Scrubs up alright too!!

Who waved you off at the airport?

No one unfortunately, I’m a big girl now!!

How do you cope with such a long flight?

You have to pre adjust to the time differences and sleep at the right times! You eventually lose half a night’s sleep but you can catch up when you get there! First class would have helped!!!

What is your favourite in flight film or book?

They change all the time, but my favourite kinds of films are usually thrillers or action packed films, I blame it on my brother that I’m not into rom com’s!!

Prior to jetting out Katherine was also one of the players who went to collect the prize as England were named ‘Team of the Year’ at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards for the second time in four years.

Click here to read an article on the win and if you have the right software watch a video of cyclist Nicole Cooke who won the individual prize and members of the England Team explaining the importance of the Team!

Watch out for the next instalment of ‘Brunty’s World Cup Blog’ at points throughout the tournament, and don’t forget if you have a question for Katherine you can email katherinebrunt@yorkshirewca.co.uk and a lucky few will get their questions answered via this website.