Colvin 'shocked' by call up

11 August 2005

Holly Colvin spins her way to a three-wicket haul © Getty Images

Holly Colvin, a 15-year-old left-arm spinner from Sussex, took three wickets on her England Women's debut in the first npower Ashes Test with Australia at Hove.

The spin bowler, who is a member of the England development squad and plays her club cricket for Brighton and Hove and Sussex CCC, was an integral member of the county's winning 2005 Frizzell Women's County Championship side; but her call up for the Ashes series was something of a surprise.

Colvin said: "I was really shocked to be called into the squad. It was totally out of the blue and unexpected - I'd just turned up to do some net bowling!"

The young spinner dismissed Kate Blackwell for six and then bowled Julia Price first ball to put herself on a hat-trick. A sound defensive shot from Julie Hayes denied her three in a row but nevertheless, she was overjoyed by her first international appearance.

"Playing for England is fantastic, it's a huge honour to play for your country," Colvin continued.

"It has been very easy to fit into the team as Clare Connor is my teacher, club and county captain."