Alice Henderson On Debut

Forty-four

"I knew it was you," Charlie says excitedly. "I knew it!"

"We didn't talk about the game," I lie. "I asked Karen if there were some batting inners in the spare kit I could borrow. That's all."

"I don't believe you," Charlie says.

We're all waiting for the coaches to arrive to announce the teams and Charlie can't stop jiggling her legs. I put my hand on her knee. "You're rocking the table," I say.

"Sorry," Charlie replies.

The doors open and the coaches file in. The whole room falls silent. Karen is the first to speak. "I just want you all to know how amazing this week has been. You should all be proud of how you trained and of what you've achieved. Today's match is a chance for you to put it all into practice. So, without further ado, here are the girls who will be playing in the camp team today."

Charlie and I listen intently as the names are read out. With each name, Charlie's face drops a little more. When she hears the name of the Brisbane reserve wicket keeper announced, her shoulders slump. "I've been replaced," she says. She looks dumbfounded.

I put my arm around her shoulder. "My name wasn't called out either, Charlie."

Charlie looks at me, confusion on her face. "Yeah, but you'll be announced with the Brisbane squad," she says as if she knew that all along.

"You don't know that," I reply.

"Everyone knows that," Charlie says. The room is silent again, and I look around. Everyone's looking at our table. Paris is death-staring at me and all-of-a-sudden, I feel extremely small. What if they don't take my suggestion on board? What if they do decide to pick me over Charlie? That means instead of me missing out, it could be Charlie.

Angie clears her throat. "Okay ladies. I know you're excited to find out who made the Brisbane team." Thankfully, everyone turns their attention away from me to the front of the room. Angie announces the Brisbane squad and then pauses. "And the player from the camp squad to make today's team is Charlie Montgomery."

There's a collective gasp around the room as everyone realises it's not my name that's been called out. Charlie jolts upright. "What?"

Angie looks across the room to our table. "Congratulations, Charlie. I'll expect my team including reserves up in the second-floor common room for a team meeting in ten minutes."

As soon as the coaches leave, the room erupts in conversation. Charlie is speechless and some of our team mates are congratulating her on her selection.

"You're better than you thought," Hannah says, patting Charlie on the shoulder.

Charlie doesn't say anything for the longest time and then she looks up at me, a grin slowly spreading across her face. "Holy cow, Alice. I'm going to play T20 for Brisbane!"

"I know. You get to play on the same team as Jules Livingstone."

Charlie's eyes widen. "Oh my God. You're right!"

I give her a hug and out of the corner of my eye, I spot Jules over by the wall, talking to some of her team. She smiles at me and nods. I smile back. There'll be other chances for me, I'll make sure of it. I can't wait to watch Charlie play in her first real match.