TAUNTON School student Jodie Dibble is currently taking another step closer to being a member of the full England women’s cricket team.

Jodie, who is studying for her A-levels, is a member of the England Academy’s trip to Sri Lanka from March 2 to 15.

It is her third spell with the Academy, which feeds the senior squad, after previous visits to India and South Africa and caps her recovery from a shoulder operation in September.

The squad is based in Colombo and is playing a series of matches against Sri Lankan boys’ teams.

Jodie, who has been at Taunton School since Year 8 and is head of the Woodyer girls’ boarding house, said: “I’m delighted to be called up – it was very unexpected because I have been out injured.”

The trip will mean her A-level studies at Taunton School being slightly interrupted but she is determined to keep on top of her academic work during the time away.

She added: “I’ll be taking work with me and will also be keeping in touch with my teachers via email. We will have time set aside for studying while away and I will have a week back at school to catch up before the Easter holidays.”

Jodie, who played for England Under-17s and whose brother Adam plays for Somerset, has also negotiated her own sponsorship deal.

She is being backed by B3 Cricket, a bespoke bat manufacturer based in Nottingham, who will be providing her with a range of kit and equipment.

Taunton School’s headmaster, Dr John Newton, said: “I am so proud of Jodie. She has led many teams in the school with integrity and dedication.

“She has bravely battled back from injury and is now back on an upward trajectory. We wish her every success.”