The upcoming match between Essex and The Blaze in the Women’s T20 Blast 2026 highlights a compelling clash between structural resilience and raw firepower. Essex steps out at Chelmsford looking to lean heavily on tactical discipline, using an aggressive spin department to constrict the scoring rates and force mistakes on their home deck.
In stark contrast, The Blaze travels south boasting a deep, versatile batting lineup capable of shifting gears instantly and taking the game away from the hosts in a matter of overs. With both squads heavily disrupted by international duties and England A call-ups, this fixture sets the stage for a classic chess match where squad depth and tactical flexibility will determine who walks away with the points.
Squads:
Essex Women’s Cricket Team
Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Lissy Macleod, Flo Miller, Jo Gardner, Amara Carr, Sophia Smale, Sophia Munro, Eva Gray, Esmae MacGregor, Liberty Heap, Kate Coppack, Tilly Kesteven
The Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Kelly, Tammy Beaumont, Charli Knott, Georgia Elwiss, Ella Claridge, Emma Jones, Prisha Thanawala, Georgie Boyce, Lucy Higham, Grace Ballinger, Maria Andrews, Kirstie Gordon, Orla Prendergast, Cassidy McCarthy, Charley Phillips
Players to watch out:
Jo Gardner
An incredibly reliable middle-order batter and clever right-arm medium pacer, her ability to anchor the innings during the middle overs and chip in with crucial breakthroughs makes her a vital asset for Essex’s game plan. In her only game yet, she has picked up 1 wicket with her best figure being 1/25.
Marie Kelly
An explosive top-order batter who sets the tone for The Blaze with her fearless approach against the new ball. Kelly asserts dominance right from the powerplay, and her ability to clear the inner ring smoothly will be essential in countering Essex’s plans to build pressure early on. In 6 innings she has scored 148 runs with 45 being her highest score.
Lissy Macleod
An exciting, clean-striking top-order option for Essex who possesses excellent geographic intent. She has the perfect opportunity in this depleted fixture to absorb more top-order responsibility, construct a solid platform, and showcase her ability to score heavily under pressure. In 6 innings she has scored 161 runs with 59 being her highest score.
Pitch:
The Cloud County Ground in Chelmsford offers a balanced, sporting track where pacers enjoy good carry and early swing before the surface settles down into an excellent deck for batting.
Weather:
The conditions in Chelmsford, United Kingdom, will be sunny during the day with a high temperature of 29°C and partly cloudy at night with a low of 16°C.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amara Carr, Lissy Macleod, Marie Kelly, Georgie Boyce, Jo Gardner, Charli Knott, Georgia Elwiss, Lucy Higham, Esmae MacGregor, Eva Gray, Grace Ballinger
Match Details:
Date – June 28, 2026
Time – 6:30 PM IST
Venue – The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Broadcast – ECB App & Website, County YouTube channels
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