Strong Warwickshire contingent places Central Sparks on solid footing

RACHAEL HEYHOE FLINT TROPHY PREVIEW, by RICHARD CLARK: The West Midlands hub will draw their players from three different counties. Last season’s county T20 champions Warwickshire dominate with 10 of the 15

Director of cricket: Laura MacLeod 

Squad: Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Clare Boycott, Thea Brookes, Gwenan Davies, Poppy Davies, Georgia Davis, Sarah Glenn, Milly Home, Chloe Hill, Amy Jones, Evelyn Jones, Marie Kelly, Anisha Patel, Grace Potts, Liz Russell, Issy Wong

Allocated England players: Amy Jones, Sarah Glenn

Fixtures: August 29 - Northern Diamonds (h, 10.30am); August 31 - Thunder (a, 10.30am); September 5 - Thunder (h, 10.30am); September 11 - Lightning (h, 10.30am); September 13 - Northern Diamonds (a, 10.30am); September 19 - Lightning (a, 10.30am)

Squad Background

The West Midlands hub will draw their players from three different counties. Last season’s county T20 champions Warwickshire dominate with 10 of the 15, but there is also representation from Worcestershire (three) and Staffordshire (two).

Six of the squad boast Kia Super League experience, while there are several current or former members of the England Academy system. The group as a whole is packed with county experience, and the balance between those older heads and youngsters looks a good fit.

What do I need to know?

Sparks will be able to call on the services of England wicketkeeper Amy Jones and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn, who has impressed many observers in the brief time since her international debut, for the first two fixtures this weekend.

With the added presence of Jones, the wicketkeeping situation will be competitive, with Worcestershire’s Chloe Hill, Warwickshire’s Gwenan Davies and Poppy Davies of Staffordshire all more than capable behind the stumps as well as with the bat. 

Home fixtures are split between Edgbaston and New Road, Worcester, with two matches to be played at each venue, including the ‘away’ clash with Thunder at Edgbaston.

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Who are the star names?

Eighteen-year old pace bowler Issy Wong is rapidly making a name for herself as one of the hottest properties in the women’s game. The England Academy prospect enjoyed her first KSL season with Vipers last summer and was recently called up for England’s training camp at Derby.

Former Lancashire batsman Eve Jones made the switch to Warwickshire in the winter but is yet to make a mark for her new county due to the pandemic. As the senior member of the squad, the 28-year old left-hander is full of experience and was touted in some quarters for an England call-up during last summer’s Ashes.

Thea Brookes has KSL experience with three different outfits and, like Jones, is a former member of England’s Academy. At 27, her international chances are most likely behind her, but she still has plenty to offer at this level.

Youngsters to look out for

Wong apart, Sparks have named just three teenagers in their squad, but all are considered good prospects.

Nineteen-year old batsman Milly Home made the switch from Shropshire three years ago and made her senior debut for the Bears in 2018.  She is also an England Lacrosse international at both Under-19 and Under-23 level.

Former Worcestershire leg-spinner Hannah Baker joined Warwickshire this summer. A member of the England Academy spin group, at 16 she has time on her side but shows good control for her age and already looks one to watch.

Meanwhile, two tall pace bowlers are also worth keeping an eye on. Staffordshire’s 18-year old seamer Grace Potts is just one of a talented group of youngsters from the county who went unbeaten throughout last summer, and Worcestershire’s Emily Arlott is another who uses her height and pace well. At 22 the former England Academy player is still young enough for a second chance.

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