After an extended break, Essex Women return to Metro Bank One Day Cup action when host Somerset Women on Wednesday.
The Women's team are back at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground on Wednesday. They look to make a strong start after their break, all eyes are on the trophy.
Last time out, the Women's side travelled up to Blackpool to face Lancashire Women. Beginning in the field, Esmae MacGregor took three key wickets which included the one of opener Emma Lamb as she was stumped by Ariana Dowse. Eva Gray (2-47) and Anneke Bosch (2-45) also took key wickets as the hosts made 272 for 9.
In reply, the team headed out to bat with Dowse and Lissy Macleod opening. A strong partnership from Bosch and Gardner of 35 runs helped put the pressure on with Bosch then departing for 32. Sophie Munro came in and hit a brilliant 25 not out. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be and Essex Women were all out for 119 after 35 overs.
Stephen Parry has named a 16-player squad for the team's first match of the second block of Metro Bank One Day Cup Games.
The squad includes both Abtaha Maqsood and Flo Miller who return from injuries.
Captain: Sophie Luff
Head Coach: Erin Osborne
2025 finish: 5th
2025 leading run-scorer: Sophie Luff (362)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Amanda-Jade Wellington (19)
Winter moves: Australia A international Anika Learoyd will fill the overseas vacancy created by Amanda-Jade Wellington's switch to Hampshire, while England Under-19 seamer Bea Willis and batter Ruby Davis have signed their first professional deals. Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean, Niamh Holland, Chloe Skelton and Jess Hazel have all penned contract extensions. Opener Amelie Munday and seamer Laura Jackson have been released, while batter Fran Wilson has left to join Gloucestershire's coaching staff.
The big question: Can new head coach Erin Osborne mastermind a transition from wannabe status to genuine contenders in her first season? Somerset will fancy their chances of beating anyone when England stars Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson are available, but it remains to be seen if promising youngsters can step up and help fill the gaps created by the departure of experienced campaigners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Fran Wilson.
Player to watch: Overseas signing Anika Learoyd is a fast-rising star Down Under and boasts exciting potential. The 23-year-old broke into Australia's A team last year following a series of stand-out performances for Sydney Thunder and New South Wales, scoring 362 runs in 13 matches across all formats for her country. Her forthright style with the bat will bolster the top order, while her leg spin will offer variety.
Final thoughts: The return to fitness of talented opener Emma Corney and England all-rounder Dani Gibson following long-term injury should effect improvement with both bat and ball and serve to render Somerset more competitive. Providing they can find the consistency needed to build on last season's progress and overcome an apparent lack of depth, there is no reason why they cannot achieve a top-four finish.
Somerset squad: Bex Odgers, Emma Corney, Sophie Luff (C), Ruby Davis, Niamh Holland, Alex Griffiths, Katie Jones, Jess Hazell, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Liv Barnes, Lola Harris, Jazz Westley.
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