The Blaze's Double Dream in Jeopardy After Sparks Defeat

The Blaze’s Double Dream in Jeopardy After Sparks Defeat

The Blaze’s hopes of securing a domestic double in women’s regional cricket hang in the balance after a disappointing five-wicket defeat to Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. The result leaves the Charlotte Edwards Cup holders precariously placed in fourth position, with just a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Sunrisers.

On a challenging pitch at Chesterfield, The Blaze struggled to find their rhythm, posting a modest total of 166. Michaela Kirk top-scored with a season-best 36, while Kathryn Bryce contributed 33. However, the Sparks’ bowling attack, led by Grace Potts’ three-wicket haul, kept the Blaze in check.

In reply, Central Sparks rode on an unbeaten 57 from Katie George to chase down the target with 52 balls to spare. George anchored the innings, sharing a crucial 53-run partnership with Charis Pavely to guide her team to victory.

The defeat leaves The Blaze’s semi-final hopes in jeopardy. They must now rely on Sunrisers losing their final match against Southern Vipers to secure a top-four finish. The Sparks, meanwhile, end their campaign on a high note, marking their last appearance as Central Sparks with a win.

The result also highlights the impending changes in domestic women’s cricket. Trent Bridge-based The Blaze will retain their current identity, while the Sparks will transition to Warwickshire in 50-over cricket and Birmingham Bears in T20.

Kate Cross to Captain England for First Time in Ireland Series

Kate Cross to Captain England for First Time in Ireland Series

Kate Cross, the experienced England all-rounder, is set to make history as she captains her country for the first time in the upcoming series against Ireland. With the majority of England’s T20 World Cup squad rested, Cross will lead a second-string team in three ODIs and three T20Is at Stormont and Castle Avenue, respectively.

Cross, who has captained Lancashire Thunder and Manchester Originals domestically, expressed her excitement and determination to lead England in her own unique style. She acknowledged the guidance she has received from former captains Charlotte Edwards and Heather Knight, but emphasized her intention to approach the role with her own approach.

While England’s primary goal is to secure victories, especially in the ODIs which are part of the ICC Women’s Championship, the tour also provides an opportunity for fringe players to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for regular international involvement. Cross believes that the competition within the squad will drive players to perform at their best.

Ireland, who recently defeated Sri Lanka in an ODI series, are not taking England’s weakened squad lightly. Captain Gaby Lewis stated that her team will prepare thoroughly regardless of the opposition and expects a competitive series. She highlighted the experience and talent within England’s second-string squad and emphasized the importance of Ireland’s own preparation.

The series marks England’s first tour of Ireland since 1995, and both captains believe it will help raise the profile of women’s cricket in the country. Cross hopes that the matches will inspire young Irish girls to take up the sport, while Lewis emphasized the role of Irish players as role models for the next generation.

Sarah Tsukigawa Appointed New Zealand Women's Cricket Selector

Sarah Tsukigawa Appointed New Zealand Women’s Cricket Selector

Sarah Tsukigawa, a former New Zealand all-rounder, has been appointed as the national selector for women’s cricket. With 42 ODIs and 19 T20Is under her belt, Tsukigawa brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Tsukigawa’s responsibilities will encompass selecting players for the national team and identifying talent within the women’s cricket pathway. She will collaborate with New Zealand’s head coach, Ben Sawyer, to ensure a seamless transition between levels.

As New Zealand prepares to host Australia and participate in the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, Tsukigawa’s expertise will be crucial. The squads for both tournaments will be announced on September 10.

Tsukigawa expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I’ve always wanted to get back involved in women’s cricket and give back to the game that has given me so much.” She previously held leadership positions at Otago, including captain, assistant coach, and selector.

Tsukigawa’s experience as a player and selector will provide valuable insights into the selection process. She believes in the current White Ferns squad and the pathway being developed for future players.

Liz Green, NZC Head of Women’s High Performance, emphasized the importance of talent identification and succession planning. Tsukigawa’s unique skillset, combining player and selector perspectives, will be instrumental in these areas.

With Sophie Devine’s decision to step down as T20I captain after the World Cup, Tsukigawa’s role may extend to identifying her successor. Devine remains committed to leading the team in ODIs.

Tsukigawa’s appointment is a testament to her passion for talent development and her understanding of the women’s cricket landscape. Her contributions will undoubtedly strengthen New Zealand’s women’s cricket program.

Women's Cricket in England Aligns with Men's Competitions

Women’s Cricket in England Aligns with Men’s Competitions

England’s top women’s cricket teams will embark on a new era in 2025, with the introduction of the Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup, mirroring the competitions played by their male counterparts. This alignment aims to enhance the visibility and growth of women’s cricket in England.

The Vitality Blast Women’s Finals Day will crown the T20 champions, while the Metro Bank One-Day Cup will feature semi-finals and a final. The eight teams competing in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup will represent Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Somerset, Surrey, Warwickshire, and The Blaze (representing Nottinghamshire and surrounds).

The Vitality Blast will feature eight teams: Birmingham Bears (Warwickshire), Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire Thunder, Somerset, Surrey, and The Blaze. Yorkshire will join the top flight in 2026, followed by Glamorgan in 2027.

A knockout cup competition will also be introduced in 2025, involving teams from all three tiers of the women’s domestic structure. This will provide opportunities for counties at all levels to compete against each other.

Beth Barrett-Wild, ECB director of the women’s professional game, emphasized the importance of aligning the men’s and women’s competitions: “By putting our men’s and women’s competitions and players on the same platform, we can exponentially increase the reach of the women’s domestic game and intensify the depth of feeling fans have for our women’s teams moving forwards.”

The new structure will see an investment of £8m per year into women’s domestic cricket by 2027, bringing the total annual investment to £19m. This funding is expected to increase the number of professional female players in England and Wales by 80% by 2029.

South East Stars Edge Closer to Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Semi-Finals with Victory over Central Sparks

South East Stars Edge Closer to Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Semi-Finals with Victory over Central Sparks

South East Stars secured a crucial victory over Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, boosting their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Batting first, Stars amassed an impressive 270 all out, thanks to a 127-run partnership between Kira Chathli (80) and Alice Davidson-Richards (70). Katie George and Charis Pavely claimed four and three wickets, respectively, for Sparks.

Sparks’ chase got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets within the first 13 overs. However, Davina Perrin (50), Chloe Brewer (54), and Bethan Ellis (57) staged a valiant recovery, keeping their team in contention. Despite their efforts, Sparks fell short by 20 runs, finishing on 250 for 9.

The victory puts Stars on the brink of a semi-final berth. They need only to win their final game against Northern Diamonds to secure their place in the last four. However, a defeat could potentially see them edged out if Sunrisers manage a bonus-point win over Southern Vipers.

Stars’ innings began with an early wicket, but Alexa Stonehouse and Phoebe Franklin steadied the ship with a 70-run partnership. Chathli and Davidson-Richards then took control, punishing the Sparks bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. George’s three quick wickets slowed Stars’ momentum, but Priyanaz Chatterji’s late cameo ensured a strong total.

Sparks’ top order struggled against the Stars’ bowling attack, with Tilly Corteen-Coleman claiming two early wickets. Perrin’s half-century provided a glimmer of hope, but her dismissal triggered a collapse. Brewer and Ellis rebuilt, but their efforts ultimately proved insufficient.

The Blaze Triumph Over Thunder in Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Thriller

The Blaze Triumph Over Thunder in Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Thriller

The Blaze emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Thunder in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, securing a crucial 24-run victory at Sale. The Blaze’s triumph keeps their hopes alive in the competition, while Thunder’s defeat dashes their aspirations of reaching the knockout stages.

The Blaze’s innings got off to a promising start, with Sarah Bryce and Michaela Kirk establishing a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership. However, the introduction of Fi Morris into the Thunder attack proved pivotal, as the spinner’s career-best 6 for 35 wreaked havoc on the Blaze’s batting lineup.

Morris’s devastating spell began with the dismissal of Kathryn Bryce, who was caught at gully for 31. She then trapped Orla Prendergast lbw for 29 and Lucy Higham for 4, reducing the Blaze to 135 for 6. Hannah Jones claimed the wicket of Kirstie Gordon, before Morris completed her impressive performance by bowling Ella Claridge, Grace Ballinger, and Cassidy McCarthy.

In response, Thunder’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Grace Ballinger’s impressive left-arm swing dismantled their top order. Ballinger’s 4 for 23 included the dismissals of Eve Jones, Alice Clarke, Morris, and Dani Collins, leaving Thunder reeling at 41 for 5.

Despite Ballinger’s early heroics, Thunder’s innings was plagued by a series of unfortunate events. Seren Smale was caught at point off Prendergast, while Ellie Threlkeld and Darcey Carter fell cheaply. Grace Johnson’s dismissal left Thunder in dire straits, but a defiant last-wicket partnership of 50 between Tara Norris and Hannah Jones provided a glimmer of hope.

Norris’s unbeaten 53, which included three sixes, was a testament to her fighting spirit. However, it was not enough to prevent The Blaze from securing victory with 26 balls to spare. Kathryn Bryce claimed the final wicket of Hannah Jones, sealing the win for her team.

The Blaze’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, while Thunder’s defeat was a disappointing end to their campaign. The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy continues to provide thrilling and competitive cricket, with every match having the potential to shape the destiny of the tournament.

England Women to Miss WBBL Latter Stages Due to South Africa Tour

England Women to Miss WBBL Latter Stages Due to South Africa Tour

England’s women cricketers will miss the latter stages of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) due to a clash with their tour of South Africa. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has informed players that they are expected to join the national team in South Africa on specific dates, regardless of any overlap with WBBL games.

This decision aims to avoid a repeat of the situation earlier this year, when the end of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) overlapped with England’s arrival in New Zealand for a bilateral series. Players were forced to choose between club and country.

The ECB notified players and their agents of the requirements before the WBBL draft. England is scheduled to play three T20Is in South Africa starting November 24, followed by three ODIs from December 4 and a Test starting on December 15.

Seven England players were signed in the WBBL draft, including Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, and Heather Knight. The ECB took a similar stance last year, with Bess Heath and Danielle Gibson missing the WBBL final to join England’s squad in India.

The WPL announced its 2024 fixtures in January, with the final falling two days before England’s first T20I in New Zealand. New Zealand Cricket declined an ECB request to move the dates.

Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket, emphasized the need for better coordination between tournaments. He said the ECB is working on aligning the Women’s Future Tours Program to avoid future clashes.

Finch acknowledged the financial implications for players who may miss out on lucrative WPL contracts. However, he stressed that players signing central contracts with England are expected to prioritize international commitments.

The ECB is also considering introducing multi-year central contracts to provide players with greater security. Finch believes this will reduce the need for case-by-case discussions about player availability.

Indian Stars Shine in WBBL Overseas Draft

Indian Stars Shine in WBBL Overseas Draft

The second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft witnessed a surge of Indian talent, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma headlining the platinum-round picks. Rodrigues reunited with Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat, while Deepti joined Melbourne Stars, where she will play alongside Meg Lanning.

Hobart Hurricanes, with the first pick, drafted in Danni Wyatt after losing out on Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt to retention picks. Melbourne Renegades opted for Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, while Hayley Matthews was allocated a gold category as their second-round pick.

Heat drafted in Shikha Pandey, marking her maiden WBBL season. Melbourne Stars also selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as their third pick. Perth Scorchers, with Sophie Devine as their pre-signed captain, drafted in D Hemalatha, who has played alongside Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the WPL.

Adelaide Strikers’ third pick was Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has captained Ireland in ODIs. Sydney Sixers, with Amelia Kerr as a gold-category pick, could have a potent spin-bowling combo with Ecclestone.

The presence of six Indians in the WBBL is the most for an edition of the tournament. This influx of Indian talent highlights the growing strength of women’s cricket in India and the WBBL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland in White-Ball Series Against England

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland in White-Ball Series Against England

Gaby Lewis, Ireland’s experienced all-rounder, will lead the team in their upcoming white-ball series against England at home. Lewis has recovered from a quad strain sustained earlier this month and will take over the captaincy from Laura Delany, who is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury.

Alice Tector, who made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka, has earned her maiden T20I call-up. She is the sister of Ireland men’s batter Harry Tector. Una Raymond-Hoey, who missed the first T20I against Sri Lanka due to injury, has returned to both the ODI and T20I squads.

National selector Ciara O’Brien expressed disappointment over Delany’s absence but praised Lewis’s leadership qualities. “Gaby has led before in Laura’s absence. We’re very comfortable with her stepping in to lead for the England series and know that she will bring her impeccable high standards to the role,” O’Brien said.

Lewis, who scored her maiden T20I century against Sri Lanka, is Ireland’s leading run-scorer in the format and the second-most experienced player behind Delany. She captained Ireland in their historic first-ever ODI win over Sri Lanka, a series that saw Ireland earn their first points in the Women’s Championship 2022-25.

The Irish squad for the series is a young one, with an average age of less than 22 years. O’Brien urged Irish cricket fans to support the team. “This is a young side, with an average age of less than 22 years, and we hope that all Irish cricket fans to turn up and support the team,” she said.

Ireland and England will play three ODIs in Belfast before moving to Dublin for three T20Is. The ODIs are part of the Women’s Championship, while the T20Is will serve as preparation for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Sophie Devine Steps Down as New Zealand's T20I Captain

Sophie Devine Steps Down as New Zealand’s T20I Captain

Sophie Devine, the formidable New Zealand all-rounder, has announced her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. However, she will continue to lead the ODI side.

Devine, who has captained New Zealand in 56 T20Is, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s success. She has led the White Ferns to the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

However, Devine believes it is the right time to reduce her workload and allow the next generation of leaders to emerge. “I’m very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats,” she said. “With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I’ve enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times.”

Devine’s decision to step down from the T20I captaincy will allow her to focus more on her playing role and nurture the future leaders. “I’m not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet,” she added. “But I won’t be around forever, so I think stepping away from captaining one format at a time gives the next leaders time to find their feet.”

Ben Swayer, the head coach, praised Devine’s leadership and experience. “Soph is the epitome of a fearless leader and we’re really grateful for the leadership she brings to this group on and off the field,” he said. “She’s one of the most experienced White Ferns ever and her leadership and knowledge of the game has been so valuable as we have introduced several young players into the team over the past two years.”

Devine is currently recovering from a foot injury ahead of New Zealand’s three-match T20I series in Australia next month. The series will serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UAE from October 10 to November 13. New Zealand will name their squad for the World Cup on September 10.

The decision on who will replace Devine as T20I captain has yet to be made. New Zealand’s next series in the format after the World Cup will be against Sri Lanka in March.

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