WHEN Somerset’s Charlie Dean led England Women to victory over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street she became the first ever England captain to use a Millichamp & Hall bat.

The 25 year old all rounder played a key part in the victory, taking 2 for 21 from her seven overs as the White Ferns were bowled out for 210. In reply after England Women had slipped to 160 for 7 Charlie then played a captain’s innings, making an unbeaten 31 off 46 balls with one 4 to see her side to 211 for 9 with 10 balls to spare.

Afterwards Charlie said: “Not many people get the chance to captain England so to do that is a real honour. I love M&H kit and its really nice that they have been supporting me for over four years.

“The bat I used to help me get my runs at Chester-le-Street was a new bat that I picked up from them a couple of weeks ago. It quickly got promoted to my number one so it was nice to give it a good outing.

“The service that M&H, who are based behind the Cricket Museum in Taunton, is really good and the guys are so receptive. Cricketers always have a few quirks and they are so brilliant and know different people like different profiles.”

“Every time I’m down in Taunton I pop in and see them and say hello and ask for something new. That means a lot for me and it gives that human connection - you don’t just get sent things - you can actually go in and have conversations and that’s what I feel is really important. Their kit is also world class. I love their pads and gloves they are fantastic as well.”

The acting England one day skipper added: “M& H have got that human connection and that side of it is something that is really important for me as well.”