Keep it simple, Sarah: Glenn sticks to successful mantra ahead of maiden WBBL stint

series against Pakistan. She was Loughborough Lightning’s joint-leading wicket-taker in the final season of the tournament with 11 scalps and was impressive throughout the competition. Just over nine months down the line, the leg-spinner has played a total of 18 internationals, taken 30 wickets and also played a T20 World Cup.

The curtailed English summer saw Glenn churn out impressive performances in the T20Is against West Indies, where she returned seven wickets as well as a match-turning 26 with the bat, helping her bag the player of the series award. Now, the 21-year-old is all set to feature in her first Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), having signed with the Perth Scorchers.

What that means for the likes of Glenn and her other England teammates is the extended period they will have to spend away from family and friends in a bio-secure bubble.

“It wasn’t as bad to us girls at home because we were training and playing and it was just quite nice to have a chat and kill some time,” Glenn told Women's CricZone over a video call from Adelaide, where the players are based during their two-week quarantine.

“I think it’s a bit trickier here because you’re on your own and can’t leave your room. It was okay to start with but it’s got tougher the last few days. I’m using my time to chill out for a bit which I don’t get to do a lot of time.”

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“Even though we’ve had to quarantine here, it’s been good because I’ve been able to get over my jet lag and not have that affect my training. We’ve got access to the treadmill and the bike. So, I’ve been working hard on my fitness and trying my best to prepare so when we start playing, I feel physically fit to go ahead.”

Having played the World Cup earlier this year in Australia, the conditions will not be all that alien to Glenn, who spoke of keeping things simple and continuing to do what’s been working for her. That she's been playing cricket, thanks to the series against the Caribbean side, also helped.

“I don’t want to change my game too much. I don’t want to get overwhelmed and think, ‘oh I’m playing the WBBL and I'm in Australia’ and put too much pressure (on myself). Obviously it’s different kind of pitch here - there’s bounce here, quick outfield. Thinking and bowling accordingly is the challenge.”

A comforting factor that Glenn has is the presence of Amy Jones in the Scorchers’ side. The English duo have played together for Lightning as well, and as a result, Glenn has someone to rely on for help and support.

“I’ve played with her for the last few seasons with Lightning. Playing for Lightning was my first real go at playing professional cricket,” said the leggie.

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“She obviously is a lovely girl and there’s a scope to ask her anything. To have that coming into a new environment is sort of reassuring to me. I know I can ask her or be honest with her if I’m struggling with anything.”

Having played in a high-profile T20 tournament like the WCSL, alongside other overseas stars, ought to have stood Glenn in good stead. But every new competition brings its own set of challenges.

“I learnt that you’ve to look at each game and can’t look ahead and think of the outcome. There are so many games and each team has got some high-quality players.”

“Obviously, it’s similar (to the WCSL) but the challenge for me is it’s a new environment, I’ll be meeting people I haven’t met before, working with different people, being away from home for a bit. I’ve learnt a lot in the KSL that I’ll take into the WBBL that’ll reassure me and not changing too much into my game plan,” she concluded.

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