Heading into Match 18 of the ECB Women’s One Day Cup 2026, the gap between these two sides couldn’t be wider. Somerset Women are currently breathing down the necks of the league leaders, sitting comfortably in second place with a perfect record—three wins from three games and a healthy NRR of 1.142. On the flip side, Essex Women are anchored to the bottom of the table. It’s been a rough start for them, having lost all four of their opening matches, leaving them as the only team yet to get off the mark in the points column.
Squads:
Somerset Women’s Cricket Team
Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Heather Knight, Jess Hazell, Rebecca Odgers, Sophie Luff, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Danielle Gibson, Erin Vukusic, Lola Harris, Niamh Holland, Olivia Barnes, Amelie Munday, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Charlie Dean, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Laura Jackson, Mollie Robbins
Essex Women’s Cricket Team
Alice Macleod, Cordelia Griffith, Florence Miller, Joanne Gardner, Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, Eva Gray, Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Amara Carr, Ariana Dowse, Abtaha Maqsood, Esmae MacGregor, Kate Coppack, Kelly Castle, Sophia Smale, Sophie Munro, Madeline Penna, Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones
Players to watch out:
Jodi Grewcock
Jodi Grewcock has been a standout performer for Essex, showing maturity beyond her years with the bat. Across 3 matches, she has amassed 201 runs at an incredible average of 67.00, anchored by two vital half-centuries. Her highest score of 80 showcased her ability to build an innings, while her strike rate of 84.81 and 20 boundaries have kept the scoreboard ticking consistently for her side.
Heather Knight
The veteran campaigner has hit the ground running for Somerset, bringing her trademark composure to the middle order. In just 3 innings, she has notched up 171 runs, including a superb century where she cleared the ropes 3 times and found the fence on 14 occasions. With an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 87.24, she remains one of the most clinical finishers in the competition.
Alex Griffiths
Alex Griffiths has emerged as a genuine strike bowler for Somerset, consistently finding ways to break through top orders. In her 3 appearances, she has claimed 8 wickets at a sharp average of 13.50. Her ability to maintain a steady economy of 4.72 while striking every 17 balls has been a major asset, highlighted by an exceptional four-wicket haul where she finished with best figures of 4/22.
Kate Coppack
Kate Coppack has provided essential discipline and control for the Essex bowling unit this season. Over 3 matches, she has sent down 17 overs, claiming 3 wickets with a best bowling performance of 2/39. While her economy rate sits at 5.47, her role in building pressure at one end has been crucial, ensuring she remains a reliable option for the captain during the middle phases of the game.
Pitch:
Historically a high-scoring ground with a fast outfield and short boundaries. The pitch typically offers good carry and bounce early on but can flatten out into a batter’s paradise as the match progresses.
Weather:
The conditions will be sunny with a high of 11°C and a low of 7°C; wind will be from the east at 11 mph with 0% chance of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Jodi Grewcock, Abtaha Maqsood, Esmae MacGregor, Kate Coppack, Madeline Penna, Heather Knight, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Danielle Gibson, Alex Griffiths, Charlie Dean, Mollie Robbins
Match Details:
Date – April 29, 2026
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – North Marine Road Ground, Scarborough
Broadcast – The ECB app, website, and YouTube channels.
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