Davina named among best in Women’s U19 World Cup

Perrin was the competition’s second-top run scorer as she hit 176 in five innings to help England reach the semi-final before losing out to eventual winners India.

The 18-year-old – who also compiled the second highest innings of 74 against the USA – was one of three Warwickshire Women representing England at the youth T20 World Cup last month.

Spinning allrounder Amu Surenkumar and Bears Women Academy player Phoebe Brett were also part of the squad in Malaysia.

Surenkumar enjoyed a standout performance when taking 3/17 against Pakistan while 16-year-old Brett took two wickets, her first in international cricket, including one against India in the semi-final.

“It means so much,” said Perrin, who averaged 35.20 with a Strike Rate of 135.38, “as you always dream of representing your country, especially at a World Cup.

“It’s only the second ever Women’s Under-19 World Cup, so to be part of it right at the start is great. The standard has increased hugely since the first tournament, it’s very promising.

“This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I’ve taken time to appreciate everything around me. Not just the cricket but all the different cultures at the tournament, soaking it all up.”

Surenkumar said handling the pressure of playing at a World Cup will help as she prepares for her first season with Bears Women.

“The pressure has been high at the World Cup but It’s a privilege to experience it,” she added. “Not many people get to play in a World Cup.

“I’ve heard people say we’re trailblazers, being involved early on in the development of the Under-19s Women’s World Cup. I’ve not really thought of it that way. I’m just here to play cricket! We all want to see the women’s game grow.”

Perrin, who started her cricketing journey as a junior with with Fordhouses, and Surenkumar will now reunite with their Bears Women teammates as the squad’s preparation for the season opener against Hampshire Women at Edgbaston on 23 April gathers pace.

England Women U19 performance lead and fellow Fordhouses stalwart Chris Guest said Perrin’s innings against the USA was one of the performances of the campaign. But he praised the collective attitude of team in making the last four.

He added: “As a collective the whole group embodied how we want to play cricket which is to play in a positive manner and go out there and express their skills.

“We have given a fantastic opportunity to these young cricketers to help their careers. This is a steppingstone to future development and we are really happy to have given them exposure to an overseas tour and some competitive games.

“It exposed the girls to different challenges and tries to get them ready for when they are going to experience those further down the line in their career.

“And them from a personal point of view, it is always good to pit your wits against the best in the world.”