Linsey Smith's England debut shirt spent years hidden under her bed, a symbol of her difficult start to international cricket. The 23-year-old made her mark in 2018 but admits she 'hated' the experience, putting immense pressure on herself as a perfectionist. She took 13 wickets in nine T20s with an average below 15, yet couldn't see the positives and eventually lost her contract.

After five years away from the England setup, Smith rebuilt her game through Northern Diamonds, Hampshire, and The Hundred. She also worked as a community coach for Leicestershire, rediscovering her love for cricket. Her recall in 2024 under coach Charlotte Edwards marked a turning point, transforming her into a mainstay and the world's leading T20 bowler heading into the home World Cup.

Smith's partnership with Lauren Bell forms England's new-ball attack, combining left-arm spin with right-arm seam. She developed a distinctive low-arm under-spinner variation, working with spin coach Tom Smith to embrace her unique action rather than conforming to traditional styles. This innovation has made her particularly effective at the death.

Now 31, Smith approaches cricket with renewed perspective and joy. That debut shirt remains unpacked but will eventually find its place on the wall - after she attempts to win the T20 World Cup on home soil.