Match Preview: Somerset Women v Essex Women

 

Somerset Women v Essex Women

Vitality Blast
Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Tuesday 08 July 2025, 2:30pm

Essex Women head down to Taunton on Tuesday to face Somerset Women in part one of a double header at the Cooper Associates County Ground between the two clubs.

Following an entertaining tie against Surrey Women at the Oval on Sunday, Essex Women face Somerset Women live on Sky Sports in a double header between Somerset and Essex.

Essex were denied a dramatic Vitality Blast win against Surrey as their rain-shortened match ended in a thrilling tie at the Kia Oval.

Chasing a revised target of 94 from 10 overs, Lauren Winfield-Hill led Essex with 49 off 27 balls and the match went down to the wire – needing two runs to win off the final ball but Jo Gardner was run out attempting a second run.

Early in the hosts’ innings, Essex reduced Surrey to 45 for 4, with standout bowling from Eva Gray (2 for 18).

However, Surrey’s Phoebe Franklin (48*) and Kira Chathli (44*) counterattacked with a 72-run stand, lifting the total to 159 for 5.

After a rain delay, Essex batted aggressively toward the revised target but fell just short, tying the game. Despite the result, Essex Women delivered a strong all-round performance.

ICYMI: LAUREN WINFIELD-HILL

Squad

Head Coach Andy Tennant has named a 13-player squad for the match against Somerset Women.

Captain Grace Scrivens and Jodi Grewcock return to the squad following their involvement with the England A Women’s squad. The pair will meet up with the Eagles in Taunton following the England A T20 match at Beckenham against New Zealand A on Monday.

Flo Miller and Sophie Munro continue to recover from injuries and are beginning to complete in light training sessions.


The Opposition: Somerset Women 

Captain: Sophie Luff

Overseas Player/s: Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia, full competition)

Key Moves: Seam bowlers Laura Jackson and Ellie Anderson have been recruited to provide a cutting edge with the new ball, while England international spinning all-rounder Charlie Dean was brought in to add star quality. Perhaps more significantly, the services of Australian leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington, a proven match-winner at this level, were secured for a second season.

The Big Question: Although competitive for the most part in their previous guise as Western Storm, a relatively inexperienced side tended to come up just short in close matches. Can this revamped Somerset squad improve on that record and demonstrate the knowhow needed to challenge for the latter stages?

Wildcard Watch: Alex Griffiths. Thrust into the role vacated by the injured Dani Gibson, the talented Welsh all-rounder is ready to realise her full potential. Adept at bowling seam up under pressure during the death overs, she now possesses the range of shots and confidence required to be an effective finisher with the bat.

Final Thought A series of shrewd signings and the availability of their international players has transformed erstwhile strugglers into more consistent performers in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup this season. Confidence and momentum gained from a series of impressive victories in the 50-over competition can now be harnessed to render Somerset competitive in the short format. As ever, much will depend on the form of overseas star Amanda-Jade Wellington and the availability of England pair Heather Knight and Charlie Dean.

How To Watch

Tickets are still available for Tuesday’s double header clash at the Cooper Associates County Ground but must be purchased in advance. If you can’t make the journey to Taunton, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports for you to watch.

Alternatively, you can head to the Matchzone for a video scorecard, stats and clips of the action.

Purchase your England v India tickets!

The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!

They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!

Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.

Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.