Beaumont excited by fresh start ahead of England's home summer
The veteran top-order batter is keen to win selection in Charlotte Edwards' side when England commence their international summer next month.
Experienced England batter Tammy Beaumont is hoping to use the upcoming domestic One-Day Cup competition to push her claims for international selection under new coach Charlotte Edwards.
Beaumont has been a mainstay in all formats since making her debut in 2009, but missed out on selection for the two most recent ICC Women's T20 World Cups despite being one of England's most consistent batters against the white-ball in recent years.
The best of Tammy Beaumont | CWC22
With former skipper and England great Charlotte Edwards taking over from Jon Lewis as coach and promising a fresh selection slate for all players, the new One-Day Cup will prove pivotal for Beaumont as she aims to win a place in the squad for this year's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India.
Beaumont is also a former teammate of Edwards and is hoping some strong performances with The Blaze in the domestic One-Day Cup competition will catch the eye of her new national coach and help her earn selection when the West Indies visit for six white-ball matches on home soil commencing next month.
“It’s extremely exciting. I think anyone in this county set-up sticks their hand up they will be in with a shout. Performances are going to be at a premium,” Beaumont told PA Media.
“We know Charlotte is watching. She’s watched every warm-up game, every live stream, she’s texted me about how I’ve got on or asked, ‘how did this person do?’. You won’t find a more passionate person about England women’s cricket and she’s got a very clear vision of what she wants so these games are going to be so important."
Behind the scenes at a Tammy Beaumont net session | CWC22
If Beaumont is to win a place in Edwards' early squads this summer then runs will be the order of business at The Blaze when they commence their 50-over campaign against Lancashire at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old will also face ongoing challenges from the likes of fellow batters Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley and former skipper Heather Knight for positions in England's strong top-order.
Teenage star Alice Capsey's hits record-equalling knock | Women's T20WC 2023
Alice Capsey notched up the joint-fastest fifty in Women's T20 World Cup history as England registered took two points off Ireland.
But rather than shy away from the competition, Beaumont is relishing the chance to prove herself once again and win a place in England's team this summer.
“As recently as 2020, 2021 we didn’t have masses of depth but with the contracts and tiers, competition for places has never been better. That’s good for English cricket even though, at times, it’s uncomfortable as a player because you’ve got to really earn your spot," Beaumont noted.
“International cricket is never easy so why would you want to play easier cricket to prepare for it? If I’m not trying to get better, to stay ahead, then it’s time to move on.”