Essex Women v Hampshire Women
Metro Bank One Day Cup
Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford
Thursday 04 September | 10:30am start
The Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup returns on Thursday following the conclusion of The Hundred competition.
Essex Women are back in action this week as they host Hampshire Women at the Ambassador Cruise Line County Ground in the first round of Metro Bank One Day Cup fixtures since it was paused at the end of July.
It’s been over four weeks since their last competitive match, which came against Lancashire Women at Sedbergh on July 30.
Essex endured a tough day in Sedbergh, falling to a 138-run defeat against Lancashire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, but took encouragement from Jodi Grewcock’s spirited half-century and flashes of promise from the middle order.
Having chosen to bowl first, Essex started tightly through Kate Coppack and Eve Gray, restricting Lancashire to just 44 in the powerplay. However, breakthroughs proved hard to find as Emma Lamb (142) and Eve Jones (71) piled on a 162-run opening stand. Despite wickets from Sophie Smale and Grace Scrivens, and sharp fielding that produced a run-out, Lancashire built a daunting 306-4 from their 50 overs.
Chasing such a target was always going to be a challenge, and Essex’s innings began shakily with early wickets falling, including skipper Scrivens for two. Smale looked composed with 38 before falling to Alana King, and as the pressure grew, Essex slipped to 100-4. Grewcock, however, stood firm, compiling a composed 52 from 54 balls to give her side some hope.
Once she departed, Essex’s lower order tried to resist – Gray striking a few boundaries in a defiant cameo – but Lancashire closed out the game clinically, bowling Essex out well short of the target.
Squad
Jason Gallian has selected a 13-player squad ahead of the clash against Hampshire at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, which includes new loanee signing Liberty Heap and the return of Flo Miller and Sophie Munro after their long term injuries.
Essex Women in August
Throughout August, Essex Women played friendlies against the Netherlands on three occasions and Hampshire twice, helping the squad stay sharp ahead of the season’s conclusion in September.
These matches gave valuable opportunities to players not involved in The Hundred to face a competitive Netherlands side at Billericay Cricket Club, while also allowing Essex Women’s Academy prospects to showcase their skills.
August also marked the return of Flo Miller, who hit a remarkable 145* from 108 balls against Hampshire 2nd XI as she regained full match fitness following an ankle injury that had kept her sidelined for months.
One of Our Own: Esmae MacGregor
Last Time We Met: Hampshire Women
Essex fell just 17 runs short in their chase against Hampshire despite captain Grace Scrivens’ superb 101 back in May at the Utlita Bowl.
She shared strong stands with Jo Gardner (23) and Jodi Grewcock (33) to keep Essex in the hunt, but wickets fell as the required rate rose. Hampshire’s Linsey Smith (4–33) ultimately swung the match, leaving Essex to defeat in Southampton.
Hampshire squad: Georgia Adams (captain), Charli Knott, Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp, Nancy Harman, Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Ella McCaughan, Mary Taylor, Freya Davies, Bex Tyson, Naomi Dattani, Megan Sturge, Ava Lee, Abi Norgrove, Daisy Mullan, Poppy Tulloch (rookie), Daisy Gibb (rookie).
Hampshire Preview
Coach: Paul Prichard
Captain: Georgia Adams
The big questions: What is life like without Charlotte Edwards? During her tenure at Utilita Bowl, Edwards won seven trophies and improved countless cricketers. It was little surprise England came calling. Paul Pritchard steps out of her shadow, with an impressive cast including James Hibberd, Beth Morgan and Ian Cox supporting him.
Player to watch: Last season, Vipers didn’t win a match when Charli Knott wasn’t playing. In 50-over cricket, she scored two fifties and a century in her effective style, plus 16 off-spin wickets. She has all the hallmarks of being Australia’s next biggest superstar – and recently earned her first international call-up after a breakout winter in her homeland.
Young gun: Abi Norgrove captained England Under-19s to a World Cup semi-final over the winter. Offers maturity beyond her years and steady middle-order batting. Very difficult to dislodge when she is in full flow.
Final thought: Along with Edwards, senior players have moved on from the south coast. Charlie Dean, Emily Windsor, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Monaghan and Georgia Elwiss have all left, with little experience replacing them – with the exception of Naomi Dattani. There is plenty of young talent coming through, but can they step up? Ellyse Perry’s two-match cameo is hugely exciting.
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
Tickets are available to purchase both online in advance or on the gate on matchday.
Unallocated tickets are available for just £8, whilst juniors can access this match for £5.
Please note that the start time is 10:30am so gates will open to spectators at 9:30am.
To secure your seats for Thursday, visit the link below:
