Essex Women head down to Birmingham to take on Warwickshire Women in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Grace Scriven's side will be aiming to take those crucial points as they look to move up the table.
Last time in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, the side hosted Somerset after the extended break. After Somerset taking quick wickets, the 169 run partnership of Jodi Grewcock (87) and Sophia Smale (83) added pressure to the visitor's bowling attack. In at number seven, Liberty Heap batted strongly, making 39 runs before getting caught.
In the second innings, Essex struggled to find their first wicket with openers Bex Odgers and Sophie Luff both making centuries before Luff was dismissed by Grewcock as Jo Gardner caught her out for 103. The second wicket of the day was another Grewcock spectacular as Emma Corney, in her first match since returning from injury, was caught by Ariana Dowse for 11.
Stephen Parry has named a 14-player squad for the team's match in Birmingham.
The squad includes new loan signing Ella Claridge and Essex Women's Academy's Amelie Bishop.
After sustaining injuries against Somerset in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, unfortunately Amara Carr and Flo Miller will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Ariana Dowse will also miss out in accordance with concussion guidelines.
We wish Amara, Flo, and Ariana a speedy recovery.
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. View full squad here.
Click here for the tournament preview.
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