Essex Women return to home soil this weekend for their first home fixture of the new season as they are set to face off against Warwickshire Women.
After opening their 2026 Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign on the road, first at the Utilita Bowl against Hampshire, and most recently at Chester-le-Street against Durham, Stephen Parry's squad return to familiar surroundings at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, where they will be looking to secure their first win of the competition.
Stephen Parry has named a 15-player squad for the first home match of the season for Essex Women.
Captain: Georgia Davis
Head Coach: Ali Maiden
2025 finish: 7th
2025 leading run-scorer: Abbey Freeborn (403)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Georgia Davis (23)
Winter moves: The Bears have signed all-rounders Mary Taylor from Hampshire, and Alex Stonehouse on loan from Surrey, while spinner Phoebe Brett has signed her first rookie contract. Aussie wicketkeeper-batter Georgia Redmayne, signed for the T20 tournament, will play three 50-over games before the Vitality Blast.
The big question: Can Warwickshire translate their impressive 20-over cricket from last season into the longer format? Having signed players who will strengthen the team in all departments and, crucially, bring experience to what is still a largely young squad, the Bears have the potential to challenge in the longer game in 2026.
Player to watch: Phoebe Brett – the 17-year-old left-armer is the latest addition to a spin attack of enviable depth and variety and impressed when her opportunities came along last season. Her control and wicket-taking skills have drawn comparison with Sophie Ecclestone.
Final thoughts: Last season, Warwickshire found themselves playing catch-up too often as the powerplays at the start of each innings went against them. Their skills shone in the T20. Taking wickets up front with the ball and not losing wickets in the powerplay has been a big focus in the pre-season preparation.
Warwickshire squad: TBC
Essex ended their challenging Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup campaign on a high, claiming a 27-run (DLS) victory over Warwickshire. After being put in, the visitors posted 235-7 from 32 overs, with Jo Gardner top-scoring with 47 off 34 balls. Warwickshire’s Georgia Davis struck with four wickets for 35, but a rain interruption reduced the match, leaving a revised DLS target of 232 from 32 overs.
Essex began strongly as Ariana Dowse (36) and Grace Scrivens added 67 before falling in successive overs just prior to the rain delay. After play resumed, wickets continued to tumble, but Jodi Grewcock (39) and Gardner stitched a crucial 69-run partnership, before Davis claimed both. Sophie Munro (36) and Amara Carr (17) provided late impetus with an unbeaten 55-run stand to guide Essex to a competitive total.
Warwickshire’s chase got off to a brisk start, with Meg Austin and Bethan Ellis putting on 40, but both fell to Abtaha Maqsood’s flighted deliveries. Munro then trapped Davina Perrin, leaving Surenkumar to anchor the innings. The 18-year-old’s 56-run knock, including five fours and a six, kept Warwickshire in the hunt, but with wickets falling around her—Issy Wong caught at long leg—the chase stalled. Maqsood (3-34) and Esmae MacGregor (3-38) ensured Essex’s bowlers held firm, and the visitors secured only their second win from 12 matches, finishing comfortably ahead under the DLS calculation.
The victory offered Essex Women a positive to close out a tough season, highlighting key contributions from Gardner, Munro, and the spin duo of Maqsood and MacGregor.
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If you are unable to attend any of the matchdays, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket YouTube livestream. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the game via our social media channels as we provide live updates.
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Daily highlights will be available after each day's play via the Club website and social media.
Tickets are available to purchase both online in advance or on the gate on matchday.
Unallocated tickets are available for just £10 with discounts available on family tickets. Purchase a Junior ticket and you can apply for a FREE Junior Membership Upgrade for the 2026 season! Junior Membership includes free entrance to all home Rothesay County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup matches.
Please note that the start time is 10:30am so gates will open to spectators at 9:30am.
To secure your seats for Saturday, please click here or call 01245 254010.
