Essex Women v Somerset Women
Metro Bank One Day Cup
Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford
Thursday 24 July | 10:30am start
The Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup returns on Thursday following the conclusion of the Vitality Blast competition.
It’s been over two months since the last 50-over fixture was played, casting back to Essex v Surrey at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground on May 19.
Since then, all focus has been on the shortest format of the game, playing a plethora of T20 fixtures over the last eight weeks, but now all attention must turn to the one day format as Essex Women welcome Somerset Women to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Last time out, Essex faced Surrey at Chelmsford and the visitors found themselves in trouble at 117 for six, but Moore (66 from 70) and MacDonald-Gay (57 from 77) formed a crucial 113-run partnership, helping their side reach 259 for nine.
Essex seamer Eva Gray claimed 5-52, which was her second five-wicket haul of the tournament, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the visitors from setting a challenging total.
Jo Gardner’s spirited unbeaten 73 from 46 balls, which included a series of sixes, gave Essex hope. However, MacDonald-Gay’s late double strike sealed the win for Surrey, leaving Gardner stranded as Surrey claimed the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries.
Squad
Head Coach Andy Tennant has named a 14-player squad for clash against Somerset and the return of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Seam bowler Esmae MacGregor is still being precautionarily rested and monitored.
Sophie Munro and Flo Miller are continuing to participate in light training on their road to recovery from their long term injuries.
The Inside Line: Andy Tennant
Last Time We Met: Somerset Women
Heather Knight led Somerset to a dominant five-wicket win over Essex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup with a standout all-round display, taking 3-7 and scoring a key 45 runs.
Somerset’s bowlers, especially Laura Jackson (2-12) and Ellie Anderson (2-44), dismissed Essex’s top order, reducing them to 2-3 and later 50-5. Amara Carr resisted with a valiant 67, but Knight’s off-spin cleaned up the tail, dismissing Essex for 184.
In reply, Knight, Sophie Luff, and Fran Wilson built steady partnerships before Charlie Dean’s brisk unbeaten 45 from 49 balls ensured Somerset chased down the target with 14.1 overs to spare. Despite early pressure from Essex, Somerset remained composed and secured their second win in three matches.
Somerset squad: Emma Corney, Sophie Luff (c), Fran Wilson, Rebecca Odgers, Charlie Dean, Dani Gibson, Alex Griffiths, Niamh Holland, Amelie Munday, Erin Vukusic, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Olivia Barnes, Katie Jones (wk), Jess Hazell, Laura Jackson, Lola Harris, Chloe Skelton, Mollie Robbins, Ellie Anderson.
Somerset Preview
Coach: Trevor Griffin
Captain: Sophie Luff
The big questions: It remains to be seen how Somerset cope without the outgoing Sophia Smale, Lauren Filer and Nat Wraith, while the availability of England players Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson could prove the difference between success and failure. Can new signings Laura Jackson and Ellie Anderson successfully plug the gaps?
Player to watch: Amanda-Jade Wellington. The Australian leg spinner is back and determined to improve upon last year’s standout debut season in England. Capable of turning it both ways, she is difficult to score against and has a habit of taking crucial wickets. An adept finisher, she can also be a matchwinner with the bat.
Young gun: Katie Jones. Long considered a precocious talent, the teenage wicketkeeper-batter is ready to realise her potential and establish herself as a regular in the senior side. Capable of scoring valuable mid-order runs, she helped England reach the ICC Under-19 T20 World Cup semi-finals in Malaysia last winter.
Final thought: Littered with international quality, a full-strength Somerset line-up would prove a match for all comers. That said, England call-ups will sap that strength and attaining the consistency of performance required to challenge will be dependent upon less experienced squad members stepping up to the plate. Youthful talent undoubtedly excites, but a lack of depth may hinder West Country prospects.
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
Essex Members are able to access this fixture on presentation of a valid card and have access to the Doug Insole Pavilion and benches throughout the match.
Unallocated tickets are available for just £8, whilst an upgraded Ticket+ can be purchased for £15 which permits access to the Doug Insole Pavilion and Members facilities. Family tickets are on sale for £16 for two adults and two children, and juniors can access this match for £5.
Tickets can also be purchased on the gates when the ground opens to spectators at 9:30am.
To secure your seats for Thursday, visit the link below:
