Charlie Dean named as permanent London Spirit captain

London Spirit can confirm that Charlie Dean has been named as London Spirit’s women’s captain for 2026. While Dean has led Spirit in two The Hundred campaigns, in 2022 and 2025, stepping in for an injured Heather Knight, this is the first time she will do so as permanent captain.

Dean has been a London Spirit stalwart since the first edition of The Hundred, playing in all five editions. No one has played more matches for the franchise. She was a key part of the squad that won The Hundred Final in 2024, London Spirit’s first piece of silverware. As captain last summer, she led Spirit to the Eliminator.

With over 100 caps for England across all three formats, Dean is one of the most experienced players in England’s forthcoming ICC T20 Women’s World Cup squad and named vice-captain for the tournament. Following injury to Nat Sciver-Brunt, she captained the national side to a T20 series victory over New Zealand in England’s final matches before the World Cup.

Dean said: “I cannot wait to get going with London Spirit once again. We have a really strong squad and it will be great to lead the team onto the pitch at Lord’s and around the country. We came close last year, and after winning in 2024, it would be amazing to get our hands on The Hundred trophy again. I am so excited to get back out there and get our campaign started. Come on the Spirit!”

Jon Lewis, Women's Head Coach at London Spirit, said: “First and foremost Charlie is a wonderful person: combine that with her obvious commitment and passion for the London Spirit and you have an ideal candidate to lead our team.

"Charlie has learned to stay calm, think clearly and thrive in pressure moments. With her history here she embodies the ethos of the franchise better than anyone else."