The Blaze v Essex Women
Metro Bank One Day Cup
Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough
Tuesday 06 May | 10:30am start
Essex Women travel to Loughborough to take on The Blaze in the next fixture of the Metro Bank One Day Cup on Tuesday.
The 50-over competition continues as Essex head to Loughborough for Matchday 5 against the table-toppers from Nottingham.
Andy Tennant’s side will be full of confidence heading into the match after recording a first win in the competition on Sunday at Chelmsford against Lancashire Women but come up against Katie Gordon’s The Blaze who have three wins from 4 games so far this season.
Squad
Essex Women have selected an unchanged 14-player squad for Tuesday that features Jodi Grewcock, who enjoyed an outstanding performance at the weekend taking 2/36 and hitting 73 not out with the bat.
Sophie Munro is the only absentee, who remains out through injury.
Andy Tennant: The Blaze Preview
The Opposition
The East Midlands-based squad are led by Head Coach Craig Cumming, who has a wealth of England International experience at his disposal this season.
Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones and Sarah Glenn are three of these notable players, with the former currently captaining the side in the absence of the injured Kirstie Gordon.
Former Essex wicket-keeper batter Scarlett Hughes is also in The Blaze ranks, whilst the Australian Heather Graham also played for the Eagles back in 2014.
The Blaze squad: Kirstie Gordon (c), Grace Ballinger, Sarah Glenn, Georgie Boyce, Josie Groves, Cassidy McCarthy, Lucy Higham, Sarah Bryce, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Tammy Beaumont, Kathryn Bryce, Prisha Thanawala, Charley Phillips, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Ella Claridge, Georgia Elwiss, Amy Jones, Olivia Baker, Amy Wheeler, Scarlett Hughes, Heather Graham, Orla Prendergast.
Player to watch: The return of former Loughborough Lightning captain Georgia Elwiss to the East Midlands after four trophy-laden seasons with Southern Vipers adds proven experience and availability to The Blaze squad. The 33-year-old former England all-rounder’s 2024 campaign was among the best of her career, including 488 runs at 69.71 in the 50-over competition.
Young gun: Josie Groves has taken 20 List A wickets in the past two seasons yet the leg spinner has only just turned 20 and is still looking to realise her full potential both as a bowler and batter. An Under-19s World Cup finalist, she is likely to have a big part to play this season.
Final thought: Last year’s 20-over champions and 50-over finalists two years ago, The Blaze have added a fourth current England player in Amy Jones to the squad with all-rounders Orla Prendergast (Ireland) and Heather Graham (Australia) sharing overseas duties. Stung by failing to make the knock-out stage in last season’s 50-over competition, they will be eager to put that right.
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, which includes a Live Stream courtesy of our hosts.
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 Essex Women’s X account.
