By Callum Dent
England Women all-rounder Jenny Gunn is relishing the three NatWest T20 Internationals with South Africa after rain ended their hopes of securing a Royal London One-Day Series whitewash over India.
With the hosts holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match rubber following the brace of victories at Scarborough, wet weather at Lord’s yesterday robbed Charlotte Edwards’ side of the opportunity to complete a clean sweep over the tourists.
England now turn their attentions to the Proteas, who are in the country for three matches in the sprint format, starting a week today at the Essex County Ground.
Gunn said: “We played them in Bangladesh and they are a really young side. But on their day they can cause an upset.
“We will be looking at them and having a recap of our last game with them when we meet up. We are looking forward to the Twenty20s, the shorter format.”
England bounced back from their Kia Test defeat at Wormsley, where India were playing their first game in that format for eight years, by taking the honours in the 50-over contests.
Gunn admitted a new-look India provided a stern test for her side, saying: “They have come out with a few new players that we haven’t seen before and are looking a really good side now.
“I think that is the best for women’s cricket. You always want a challenge and they have challenged us in every aspect. It is good.
“After the Test match we were down, but how Charlotte and Heather came out batting in the first ODI really showed how we wanted to play our cricket.”
Gunn has performed superbly so far this summer, both in the Test and one-day internationals.
She added an unbeaten 62 to her first-innings five-wicket haul at Wormsley before taking five wickets in the two games at North Marine Road.
The 28-year-old is loving life on the international stage, and added: “I have really enjoyed my bowling this year. My mum and dad always say play with a smile on your face.
“I’m not getting any younger so I am just trying to enjoy every game I put an England shirt on.”