Eve Jones hopeful WBBL spell can lay the path to England call-up

NICK HOWSON: The PCA women's player of the year believes a spell with Melbourne Renegades this winter could prove crucial to her international aspirations

Eve Jones believes a Women's Big Bash League spell can help push her claim for an England call-up.

The 29-year-old, the PCA women's player of the year, has been signed up for a maiden campaign in Australia's leading T20 competition by Melbourne Renegades.

Jones earned the deal following a stellar domestic summer during which she struck 943 runs and took eight wickets across four competitions for Warwickshire, Birmingham Phoenix and Central Sparks.

After years of being overlooked by England, the Shrewsbury allrounder is optimistic this winter could help thrust herself into contention.

"I've always had aspirations of playing for England. Hopefully, if I can keep performing and winning games for my team that will give me an edge to try and break into that squad.

^{Jones will link up with the Renegades this winter}

"It is a very difficult squad to break into. That is all I can do at the end of the day, keep improving and keep putting in performances.

"Hopefully, the Big Bash will give me a bit more consistency. If I can perform in that I'll be at the next stage. So fingers crossed."

She added: "I suppose there is a little bit of frustration (of not being picked for England) there.

"It is a difficult team to break into so I am just trying to make sure I am ready if and when I get picked. Fingers crossed, the more competitions that are available for us to play in on the big stage in front of thousands of people should help when we get that call."

Jones is also targetting being among the England A squad due to tour Australia for three T20s and a trio of 50-over matches in January and February 2022.

Last December, the left-hander was among 41 women to be handed a professional contract having previously been on a retainer with West Midlands Women's Cricket.

^{England celebrate their ODI series win over New Zealand}

"It has had a big impact," Jones said of the deals. "We have more time to dedicate and train over the winter with the Sparks three times a week. I've come into the season with a lot of confidence. I've had a lot of support and belief from my team so that helps as well. It has taken my game to another level.

"(Go to the Big Bash) is not something that domestic players would be able to afford to do so I am really excited to be able to test myself against some of the best players in the world. Hopefully, that can give other players something to aspire to that anyone who has a good season the opportunities that are going to come to players.

"To have this structure in place has helped me massively. I've done a lot of coaching in schools, county cricket boards and that was my main income. 

"I played in the KSL which was six weeks of the year that we were contracted for. Now it is whether I can fit the coaching around the training. 

"It has been massively beneficial for me. Hopefully, over the next few years, more the more girls can be contracted and don't have to make that choice."

Eve Jones was speaking following the 52nd cinch PCA Awards, the biggest awards ceremony in English cricket.

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