Wyatt-Hodge’s ‘mummy hundred’ anchors England’s record T20 World Cup victory
Danni Wyatt-Hodge returns from parental leave just ten days after childbirth to score unbeaten 105, leading England to a dominant opening win at Edgbaston.
England women’s cricket team has begun their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding performance, defeating Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the opening match at Edgbaston. The hosts posted a tournament-record total of 219-1 in their 20 overs, driven by a monumental innings from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, before restricting the visitors to 132 all out.
Wyatt-Hodge, 35, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 105 from 62 balls, marking her third international century. The knock was described as a ‘mummy hundred’ and dedicated to her three-week-old daughter, Daisy, following Wyatt-Hodge’s return from parental leave just ten days after giving birth on 20 May. Wyatt-Hodge celebrated her hundred by rocking her bat in her arms, a gesture mirrored by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, also a mother, who was at the non-striker’s end during the celebration.
The innings provided a significant lift to England’s World Cup aspirations, with Wyatt-Hodge noting the unique pressure and joy of performing in a home tournament shortly after welcoming her child. "I was on about 90 and I thought I have to get a hundred for Daisy," Wyatt-Hodge said. "I did it for my three-week-old daughter." She added that the prospect of seeing her wife, Georgie, and daughter the next day made the experience particularly meaningful, noting she had not seen them for six days.
Wyatt-Hodge’s selection had been a topic of debate during her absence, with Sophia Dunkley’s form faltering and Amy Jones being promoted. However, Wyatt-Hodge retained her place in the squad despite recording three single-figure scores upon her return against India last month. Former teammate Katherine Sciver-Brunt, watching from the commentary box, noted that Wyatt-Hodge thrives under pressure, stating, "This is exactly the sort of environment she needs."
The victory underscores a resilient and cohesive squad dynamic. Wyatt-Hodge, who made her international debut in the same Mumbai ODI as Heather Knight, is now the longest-serving member of the current England setup alongside Knight. As the team prepares to head to Southampton for a family reunion, Wyatt-Hodge’s performance has solidified her status as a pivotal figure in England’s campaign, proving her determination and skill remain undiminished by her new role as a mother.
