A fast-medium bowler of promise, Lynsey Askew is an up and coming talent who has the potential to be an integral part of England's future success. At the age of 18, Askew made her debut for the England Development Squad and shone with a tight opening spell; she also made 14 not out. In her second game, she returned her best bowling in England colours, taking 4 for 34 and helping to establish herself as a name to look out for in the future. Askew plays her county cricket at Kent, under the watchful and nurturing eye of her captain Charlotte Edwards, the current England captain. And now Askew has the chance to join Edwards at the highest level, after being named in England's squad to face India this summer following consistent performances at the Super Fours. But she admits she nearly gave up the game for good, and has her father to thank for sticking with it. "I had a love-hate relationship with cricket when I was younger. But my dad said it would have been a waste of a talent if I'd given it up and that's what convinced me not to."

Liam Sumsion July 2006