In the 2024 Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup, match no. 9 will feature a face-off between The Blaze and Thunder on the 26th of May 2024. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at the Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough.
Squads:
The Blaze – Bethan Gammon, Bethany Harmer, Georgie Boyce, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Tammy Beaumont, Kathryn Bryce, Kirstie Gordon, Nadine de Klerk, Teresa Graves, Ella Claridge (WK), Sarah Bryce (WK), Cassidy McCarthy, Grace Ballinger, Josie Groves, Lucy Higham, Sarah Glenn
Thunder – Alice Clarke, Daisy Mullan, Danielle Collins, Katie Mack, Liberty Heap, Shachi Pai, Emma Lamb, Georgia Voll, Grace Johnson, Naomi Dattani, Olivia Bell, Ailsa Lister (WK), Eleanor Threlkeld (WK), Seren Smale (WK), Fi Morris, Hannah Jones, Kate Cross, Laura Jackson, Mahika Gaur, Phoebe Graham, Sophie Ecclestone, Sophie Morris, Tara Norris
Players to watch out:
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder in the CE Cup last summer produced 15 wickets from 8 outings, averaging 11.40 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.00, while also chipping in with the bat, adding 83 runs to the tally. This season, while Nadine’s contributions with the bat are limited to starts, her bowling returns read 2/27 and 1/29. She’ll be counted on for the goods.
Kirstie Gordon
The 26-year-old left-arm off-spinner bagged 6 wickets from 7 outings in the competition last summer. However, this summer she has picked up 11 wickets from 6 One Day matches, while also being handy with the bat. Carrying her form into the T20 season, Kirstie has produced figures of 2/13 and 3/20, and scored 29 with the bat as well. It’ll be hoped she capitalizes on this momentum.
Georgia Voll
The 20-year-old all-rounder, from 15 T20 outings late last year, accumulated 206 runs at a strike rate of 112.56 and also took 9 wickets, with bests being 48* and 4/19. The Australian, on her debut in the CE Cup, scored 19 runs and conceded 8 runs off her only over. It’ll be expected of Georgia to build on the start she has had, delivering all-round performances.
Phoebe Graham
The 32-year-old pacer didn’t feature in the 2023 CE Cup, though was part of the team’s 50-over campaign. However, in the ongoing season, Phoebe had a decent lead-up to the CE Cup, bagging 4 wickets from five 50-over outings, and in her T20 outings has returned figures of 1/31 and 1/32. She’ll be backed to capitalize on this form and also chip in with the bat.
Pitch:
The Loughborough wicket is a balanced one, catering to both batters and bowlers, as evidenced by the average score in the 140s. While batters enjoy the trueness of the wicket, there will be enough for spinners to exploit as well.
Weather:
Scattered thunderstorms on the radar pose a threat to the game, and expect rain delays and interruptions if the skies don’t clear. The temperature will be around 16°C, with light winds and humidity at 81%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Seren Smale, Sarah Bryce, Eleanor Threlkeld, Emma Lamb, Nadine de Klerk, Kirstie Gordon, Fi Morris, Kathryn Bryce, Mahika Gaur, Lucy Higham, Grace Ballinger
Match details:
Date – May 26, 2024
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.