Latest news with #NatSciverBrunt
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Blaze heating up while Hampshire Hawks close gap
The Blaze overcame Lancashire to remain unbeaten and close the gap at the top on Women's T20 Blast leaders Surrey as Hampshire also won to remain in Heather Graham collected 3-36 as The Blaze restricted Thunder to 150-9 at Ailsa Lister provided the main Lancashire resistance with a superb 79 from 38 hosts were in a spot of bother at 84-4 in the 12th over when England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt departed for 31 in her first domestic appearance since Georgia Elwiss hit an unbeaten 43 to steer them over the line with 10 balls to spare and five wickets in Taunton, Freya Kemp smashed an unbeaten 65 as Hampshire posted 169-6 and, despite 60 from Niamh Holland and 43 from Amanda-Jade Wellington, the winless hosts' brave chase fell five runs short. Lister fireworks in vain for Thunder After being asked to bat first, Thunder struggled to 29-2 in the six-over powerplay but Lister had an escape when she was dropped at mid-wicket on were 65-4 in the 12th over but the fifth-wicket pair of Lister and Fi Morris (22) almost doubled the total before the latter hit Graham straight to backward point with 15 balls to King, Kate Cross and Tara Norris went without scoring and Lister, dropped again on 62, eventually fell to the final ball from Graham, having hit the Australian for six twice in addition to nine fours in her 79 - the highest by the team this Blaze lost Tammy Beaumont and Kathryn Bryce early in the reply but Sciver-Brunt hit four of her first 10 balls to the boundary and the hosts looked comfortable at the halfway point, needing 78 to missed a straight ball from Grace Potts to depart and England colleague Amy Jones followed for 16 soon after but three fours from Graham (19*) regained momentum and Elwiss hit her seventh four down the ground to win it. Kemp shines for Hawks as Somerset edged out On a scorching day at Taunton, Hampshire openers Maia Bouchier and Charli Knott put on 80 before Chloe Skelton took a fine catch over her shoulder at mid-on to send Bouchier on her way for 43 from 26 balls with eight her final game before returning to Australia, Knott holed out to international team-mate Wellington at long-on 10 balls later for 43 from 34 Adams (10) and Rhianna Southby fell in successive deliveries to Charlie Dean (3-25), while Abi Norgrove was run out in the next Kemp went through the gears, with seven fours and two sixes in her 38-ball stay which guided the visitors to their first win in their seventh match, Somerset fell to 19-2 after four overs but Holland shared a stand of 52 with Sophie Luff (23) and then 63 with Wellington on her way to a career-best T20 innings of 60 from 53 balls, to set up a tense hit 44 from 25 balls but fell in the final over as the hosts came up just short at 164-6. Friday fixtures Durham v Essex (14:30 BST)Bears v Blaze (15:00 BST)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
England make dominant start to Charlotte Edwards era – but India will provide true test of their progress
England have been nothing short of dominant against the West Indies with their new-look leadership, now under the guidance of head coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Their confident whitewash in both the IT20 and ODI series has been the start of a much-needed redemption arc for the side that suffered a humiliating 16-0 loss to Australia in January. New players, a new ethos, and an injection of expertise have been the necessary antidote to the reputational damage endured across the winter months. Advertisement Edwards has made her mark on this England team already. The former England skipper has an ability to reignite careers, make fascinating role changes and most importantly, win games. Warwickshire's Em Arlott, who made her IT20 and ODI debuts in this series, has been one of the success stories from the early stages of Edwards' tenure. The 27-year-old took 10 wickets across the five games she featured in and will cause a selection headache for England. Em Arlott has given England a selection headache (Getty Images) Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith has been another positive for England. Since making her IT20 debut back in 2018, international opportunities have been scarce. Smith is one of the best county players, plying her trade at Hampshire where she has now bowled herself into England's T20 and ODI side. Debuting in 50-over cricket at Derby, Smith finished with figures of 5/36 from her 10 overs, a statement performance from the 30-year-old. Advertisement Among the batters, there has also been some tweaking. Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones have been reinstated as the opening batters in ODI cricket. It's quite indicative of a new era when Jones, 12 years into her England career, scores her maiden international century as she did in Derby. It's even more convincing when, a few days later, she produces another century, beating the previous total she set. Amy Jones made back-to-back hundreds, having been promoted to open in the ODI side (Nick Potts/PA Wire) The newfound success of Jones has perhaps overshadowed what her opening partner was doing at the other end, Beaumont also scoring two centuries across the first two ODIs. Stability at the top of the order is something England have craved and, while these have not been scores against the best team in the world, England can only play the opposition in front of them. A significant reflection after the Ashes, especially when directly comparing England and Australia, was the lack of competition for places in the England side. Although this is something that cannot change overnight, the remodelled county structure has reaped the rewards of the past five years of domestic professional development. The likes of Arlott, Smith and Alice Davidson-Richards were all selected based on their impressive county performances in the early stages of the One Day Cup. Advertisement England's lack of competition for places has meant players have at times not been dropped despite below-par or mediocre performances. Edwards seems to be changing this. With a greater emphasis on playing county cricket, and vitally, performing well, the likes of Maia Bouchier were left out of the squad. The tweaks made by Charlotte Edwards (left) paid immediate dividends (Getty Images) England confidently secured victory in all six matches against the West Indies; however, a critical eye would have noticed some poor overs from England's bowlers. Jannillea Glasgow and Qiana Joseph, in the 2nd and 3rd ODIs respectively, were gifted boundaries by England's seam attack. While these were not game-changing overs, against India they could be. Realistically, the India series, comprising five IT20s and three ODIs, will be the real litmus test for the side. The ODIs will be crucial preparation for the World Cup taking place in India this Autumn. While the expectation is not for England to lift the trophy, a good run in the tournament will be another crucial step in their redemption. Advertisement Sophie Ecclestone, who was boldly left out of Edward's first squad after an injury issue, could be back for the series against India. She is currently managing a quad problem and opting to take a step back from cricket for a short, if undisclosed, period, but the England camp are hopeful that Ecclestone will return in time. India should prove tough opposition for England, with their top-order batters in particular finding a purple patch of form. Winning a tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in May, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues both averaged above 50, registering centuries. Opener Pratika Rawal, who has only played a handful of international games, got runs under her belt, while off-spinner Sneh Rana finished top of the charts with 15 wickets from five games. Pressure has been a point of concern for this England team, particularly under the old regime. At no point in this series were the hosts truly tested and put in precarious positions, something they are likely to face against India. In short, India will not make it easy.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
England make dominant start to Charlotte Edwards era – but India will provide true test of their progress
England have been nothing short of dominant against the West Indies with their new-look leadership, now under the guidance of head coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Their confident whitewash in both the IT20 and ODI series has been the start of a much-needed redemption arc for the side that suffered a humiliating 16-0 loss to Australia in January. New players, a new ethos, and an injection of expertise have been the necessary antidote to the reputational damage endured across the winter months. Advertisement Edwards has made her mark on this England team already. The former England skipper has an ability to reignite careers, make fascinating role changes and most importantly, win games. Warwickshire's Em Arlott, who made her IT20 and ODI debuts in this series, has been one of the success stories from the early stages of Edwards' tenure. The 27-year-old took 10 wickets across the five games she featured in and will cause a selection headache for England. Em Arlott has given England a selection headache (Getty Images) Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith has been another positive for England. Since making her IT20 debut back in 2018, international opportunities have been scarce. Smith is one of the best county players, plying her trade at Hampshire where she has now bowled herself into England's T20 and ODI side. Debuting in 50-over cricket at Derby, Smith finished with figures of 5/36 from her 10 overs, a statement performance from the 30-year-old. Advertisement Among the batters, there has also been some tweaking. Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones have been reinstated as the opening batters in ODI cricket. It's quite indicative of a new era when Jones, 12 years into her England career, scores her maiden international century as she did in Derby. It's even more convincing when, a few days later, she produces another century, beating the previous total she set. Amy Jones made back-to-back hundreds, having been promoted to open in the ODI side (Nick Potts/PA Wire) The newfound success of Jones has perhaps overshadowed what her opening partner was doing at the other end, Beaumont also scoring two centuries across the first two ODIs. Stability at the top of the order is something England have craved and, while these have not been scores against the best team in the world, England can only play the opposition in front of them. A significant reflection after the Ashes, especially when directly comparing England and Australia, was the lack of competition for places in the England side. Although this is something that cannot change overnight, the remodelled county structure has reaped the rewards of the past five years of domestic professional development. The likes of Arlott, Smith and Alice Davidson-Richards were all selected based on their impressive county performances in the early stages of the One Day Cup. Advertisement England's lack of competition for places has meant players have at times not been dropped despite below-par or mediocre performances. Edwards seems to be changing this. With a greater emphasis on playing county cricket, and vitally, performing well, the likes of Maia Bouchier were left out of the squad. The tweaks made by Charlotte Edwards (left) paid immediate dividends (Getty Images) England confidently secured victory in all six matches against the West Indies; however, a critical eye would have noticed some poor overs from England's bowlers. Jannillea Glasgow and Qiana Joseph, in the 2nd and 3rd ODIs respectively, were gifted boundaries by England's seam attack. While these were not game-changing overs, against India they could be. Realistically, the India series, comprising five IT20s and three ODIs, will be the real litmus test for the side. The ODIs will be crucial preparation for the World Cup taking place in India this Autumn. While the expectation is not for England to lift the trophy, a good run in the tournament will be another crucial step in their redemption. Advertisement Sophie Ecclestone, who was boldly left out of Edward's first squad after an injury issue, could be back for the series against India. She is currently managing a quad problem and opting to take a step back from cricket for a short, if undisclosed, period, but the England camp are hopeful that Ecclestone will return in time. India should prove tough opposition for England, with their top-order batters in particular finding a purple patch of form. Winning a tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in May, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues both averaged above 50, registering centuries. Opener Pratika Rawal, who has only played a handful of international games, got runs under her belt, while off-spinner Sneh Rana finished top of the charts with 15 wickets from five games. Pressure has been a point of concern for this England team, particularly under the old regime. At no point in this series were the hosts truly tested and put in precarious positions, something they are likely to face against India. In short, India will not make it easy.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Dunkley top pick in WBBL as Ecclestone leaves Sixers
Batter Sophia Dunkley was the top pick in the Women's Big Bash draft as Sydney Sixers opted not to retain her England team-mate Sophie the first pick in the draft the Sixers could have resigned spinner Ecclestone, who has been at the franchise since 2022 and until recently the number one bowler in the T20 rankings, but opted to prioritise their batting in signing was left out of England's squad to play West Indies last month and later said she would take a short break from domestic cricket to "prioritise her wellbeing" and recover from injury. The 26-year-old, who will return to England duty for the series against India which starts later this month, was subsequently signed by Adelaide Strikers, who also opted for England batter Tammy Melbourne Stars picked England wicketkeeper Amy Jones, batter Paige Scholfield was signed to play in the tournament for the first time by Perth Scorchers while Hobart Hurricanes picked up spinner Linsey Smith, who impressed for England in Ecclestone's absence against West skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt had already been pre-signed by the Hurricanes in the hours leading up to the draft. The Tasmanian outfit also used their right to retain England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge, likewise Sydney Thunder with former England skipper Heather all-rounder Dani Gibson has moved to Melbourne Stars and Alice Capsey will return to Melbourne Indies captain Hayley Matthews had been pre-signed by Melbourne Renegades but it was announced on Thursday that she will miss the tournament to have shoulder surgery. WBBL draft picks in full:Adelaide Strikers: Sophie Ecclestone (England), Laura Wolvaardt* (South Africa), Tammy Beaumont (England)Brisbane Heat: Jemimah Rodrigues (India), Chinelle Henry (West Indies), Nadine de Klerk* (South Africa)Hobart Hurricanes: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Nat Sciver-Brunt* (England), Linsey Smith (England)Melbourne Renegades: Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Alice Capsey (England)Melbourne Stars: Amy Jones (England), Marizanne Kapp* (South Africa), Dani Gibson (England)Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine* (New Zealand), Paige Scholfield (England), Chloe Tryon (South Africa)Sydney Sixers: Sophia Dunkley (England), Amelia Kerr* (New Zealand), Mady Villiers (England)Sydney Thunder: Heather Knight (England), Chamari Athapaththu* (Sri Lanka), Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)*indicates player was pre-signed before draft
Arab News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women's T20 World Cup opener
Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday. Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament. New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2. The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time. 'World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,' England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement. 'Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it's going to be unmissable. I can't wait to be a part of it.' Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14. Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord's are the other venues. The final will take place at Lord's on July 5.
