Durham Cricket v Essex
Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup
Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Wednesday 23 April | 10:30am start
A new era of Women’s Cricket begins tomorrow as Essex take on Durham Cricket in the opening fixture of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
The Women’s One Day Cup gets underway with a thrilling curtain-raiser as Durham host Essex in what promises to be an exciting encounter between the two sides.
The launch of Tier One marks a landmark moment in the evolution of the domestic game in England & Wales. With the introduction of a restructured, professionalised system, the 2025 season signals a positive step toward creating a sustainable and competitive environment for professional female cricketers.
More than just a competition, Tier One is also about raising the profile of the women’s game, creating fan engagement and embedding professionalism.
At Essex Cricket, we are poised to break down barriers and empower the next generation of female cricketers in Essex and the wider regions.
Squad
Andy Tennant has named a 14-player squad for first game of the season.
Grace Scrivens: Durham Preview
The Opposition
The Durham Cricket squad is led by former England captain and World Cup winner Danielle Hazell, with current England A 50-over captain Hollie Armitage serving as the Women’s captain.
In preparation for the 2025 season, the Northern outfit bolstered their ranks with the signing of England seamer Lauren Filer and former Eagle Mady Villiers, both on three-year deals.
Durham squad: Hollie Armitage (c), Suzie Bates, Leah Dobson, Katherine Fraser, Abi Glen, Bess Heath, Trudy Johnson, Katie Levick, Emma Marlow, Mia Rogers, Phoebe Turner, Sophia Turner, Mady Villiers.
Durham Preview
Player to watch: Captain Hollie Armitage promises to be a talismanic presence. She bats, bowls leg-spin, fields superbly and is one of the best leaders in English cricket. Batting is her main suit, and she will be hoping big runs will help her go from the fringes of England’s team and be a regular pick.
Young gun: All-rounder Phoebe Turner has impressed in Northern Diamonds colours in the last couple of seasons, including a match-winning six for 20 in a 50-over match against Lancashire Thunder last September with her seamers. Dynamic with the bat in the middle order too. There’s a bit of Nat Sciver-Brunt about the 21-year-old.
Final thought: Durham will be confident they can challenge the likes of Surrey and The Blaze this summer, though a lot rests on the shoulders of Hollie Armitage and New Zealand captain Suzie Bates with the bat. Bates has penned an overseas deal for the full summer at the Banks Homes Riverside. England pacer Lauren Filer will bring an X-Factor to their bowling attack.
How To Watch
If you are unable to attend any of the match days, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, through the YouTube livestream.
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media. Live updates will also be provided through the Club’s various social platforms and channels.
Tickets
For anyone planning to join the Eagles in Chester-le-Street, tickets can be purchased directly from Durham’s website in advance.
These are priced at £12.50 for adults and £4 for juniors aged between 5-15.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the link below:
