Surrey women’s star Ebony Rainford-Brent is looking to make an impact with England as they tour to India for the ICC Women’s 2007 quadrangular series.

Rainford-Brent came through a tough period, where a long-term back injury kept her sidelined, to gain selection into the Pemberton Greenish Surrey Academy.

"When I was about 15 and bowling at The Oval I felt something pull and for a couple of days it felt sore but apart from that it was OK.” Rainford Brent Commented.

Rainford-Brent will have her chance on England's tour of India for the ICC Women’s Quadrangular series.
This niggle continued and kept her out of action throughout the most part of 2005 and 2006. She returned to training with the Surrey Academy eager to make up for lost time, but admitted that it was difficult to deal with the psychological issues from her injury.

"I wasn't sure how my body would cope but I just gradually got into the batting and then this winter bowling but if you had asked me a year ago I would not have been sure of even playing."

After she had proved her fitness in the Academy, it was not long before Rainford-Brent was called up into the England development squad. Excited about the opportunity Rainford-Brent was keen to capitalise upon the injury free period and build upon her international experience.

"At the age of 14 or 15 I was in the England set-up but I didn't get much one-on-one coaching until I was about 16 or 17 so for a long time my technique was a bit rough."

Director of the Pemberton Greenish Surrey Academy, Gareth Townsend, said: “Ebony has come back from a nasty injury very well. It is never easy to get back to playing so quickly, but her work ethic has been magnificent.”

Making great strides with the England training at Loughborough, Rainford-Brent was offered a place on the Women’s squad to tour India. “I have not stopped smiling," she said of her selection.

"It's been such a long journey. I'd been in England A games but you're never sure if you're going to make that next step."

Townsend added: “She really deserves her chance with the national side. I expect her to get on very well in India and look forward to seeing some good results during the coming summer.”

England have a practice match today, before going into the tournament against India, Australia and New Zealand. Each side will play the other teams twice, with the top two sides playing in a final at the beginning of March.

Related Stories:

• Surrey announce 2007 Pemberton Greenish Academy Squad

• Surrey women's squad get promoted

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