New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Dani Gibson is ready to move past a frustrating time of injuries and make a strong impact for the England women’s team at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home.

The 25-year-old all-rounder recently returned to international cricket during England’s ODI series against the New Zealand women’s national cricket team. She had spent over a year on the sidelines due to a persistent back injury. Gibson showed promise in the series, scoring a quick 19 in the opening match at Durham and taking a wicket in each of her spells across the three games.

Her performances led head coach Charlotte Edwards to name her in England’s 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup beginning on June 12.

“I’ve been out of it for a while, so it’s just nice to be back,” Gibson told Sky Sports Cricket.

“Everyone seems in a really good place. We’ve had great time together over the last week, had good conversations, and spent time training together this winter. I think the team is in a good space – it should be a good summer.”

England will continue their preparations for the global tournament with three T20Is against New Zealand starting on Wednesday. They will then play another three-match T20I series at home against the India women’s national cricket team later this month.

While Gibson is expected to play a key role in the lead-up, she is focusing on taking things one step at a time after her long rehabilitation.

“I think it was about taking it step by step and celebrating each little milestone, no matter how small. I’m just really happy to be fully fit and with the team. It’s going to be an exciting summer,” she said.

“It was great to be back out there and see all the hard work I put in, along with the support from the science and medical team, pay off and allow me to perform as the all-rounder I want to be.”

–IANS

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