Dani looks back on remarkable summer

It’s been quite a summer for Western Storm all rounder, Dani Gibson.

The 22-year-old made her international debut in this summer’s Ashes series and also featured for her country in the IT20 series against Sri Lanka.

We caught up with her this week to look back on what’s been a memorable few months.

“It’s been pretty surreal,” she said. “I certainly wasn’t expecting it, so to be named in that Ashes squad was pretty cool. It was pretty nerve wracking to walk out onto the field in an England shirt for the first time, but it was exciting as well. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid, so it feels amazing to represent my country.

“We just went out there ready to fight Australia. Jon Lewis has made it clear how he wants us to play, and he backs all of us. The Test match didn’t go our way, but what a match it was. There were so many cool things that happened and we’re getting these opportunities to show what we can do on big stages now. The support that we got was great too. When we played the T20 at Edgbaston the noise was incredible. That is so good for the development of the women’s game.”

Did Dani enjoy playing for her country alongside Western Storm teammate, Lauren Filer?

“It was really cool,” she said. “I think we’ve only been apart for four days this summer and it’s been really nice to go through this experience with her. We get on well and it’s nice to have each other to talk to and to go through the highs and lows with.

“It shows that Western Storm can produce quality players and highlights the quality of the coaching environment that we have. We’ve got such a good set up and Trevor Griffin has been really good as Head Coach. He backs us a lot and wants the best for us. It’s nice to know that everyone wants us to succeed.”

What does Dani have planned for the winter?

I’m going away until December to play in the Big Bash which will be a really good experience. I’m also heading out to India for a bit as well. Then I’ll join up with Storm in the New Year. There are more and more franchises now which means more opportunities for girls to be able to go and play in different countries. You can almost play cricket all year round now and that’s so exciting.”

What has she learned from her international experience?

“I think the main thing I’ve learned is that cricket is cricket. What I mean by that is that it’s not always going to go well. You have to learn to deal with the bad days. You have to accept that you will have those, and you have to pick yourself up, learn from them and not dwell on them because cricket is a harsh game sometimes. You can overthink things sometimes, but cricket is cricket and you have to come back better from any disappointments.”

What does Dani hope to achieve in 2024?

“I’ve not really had time to think that far ahead,” she joked. “I just want to play as many games as I can for England and hopefully make my ODI debut. I’d also love to help Storm lift a trophy.”