The forthcoming match no. 16 of the ongoing Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup will feature a contest between Western Storm and Sunrisers at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. The game is slated for the 31st of May, 2024, at 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Western Storm – Sophie Luff (C), Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Dani Gibson, Nat Wraith, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Niamh Holland, Jess Hazell, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Issy Wong, Claire Nicholas, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper, Emily Geach
Sunrisers – Grace Scrivens (C), Alice Macleod, Cordelia Griffith, Dane Van Niekerk, Flo Miller, Jessica Olorenshaw, Katherine Speed, Amuruthaa Surenkumar, Jo Gardner, Kelly Castle, Mady Villiers, Amara Carr (WK), Ariana Dowse (WK), Abtaha Maqsood, Charley Phillips, Esmae MacGregor, Eva Gray, Jodie Grewcock, Kate Coppack, Nicola Hancock, Sophie Munro
Players to watch out:
Fran Wilson
The 32-year-old middle-order batter, averaging 31.00 and striking at 121.56, accumulated 186 runs from 7 CE Cup games last edition. Fran didn’t score many runs in her first couple of outings this domestic season, but was back among runs with successive scores of 65 and 53. She departed for 10 in the T20 season opener and didn’t have a bat in the subsequent game, but the veteran batter can be relied upon for runs.
Dani Gibson
The 23-year-old all-rounder, from 6 CE Cup outings last summer, accumulated 166 runs at a strike rate of 141.88 and also bagged 8 wickets. Dani in the T20I series against Pakistan registered scores of 41*, 18*, and 13, while only managing a wicket. Continuing on the momentum, in her first ’24 CE Cup game, she registered a 40 with the bat and 1/27 with the ball. Given her form, she can be counted on for the goods.
Jo Gardner
The 27-year-old all-rounder added only 92 runs to the tally and claimed just a couple of wickets from 6 CE Cup appearances last season. However, despite less opportunities with the bat and ball in the lead-up to the CE Cup, during the One Dayers, she has notched up scores of 30, 79*, and 42, and has bowled just two overs. She is a very promising talent and hopefully carries this form into the business end.
Sophie Munro
The 22-year-old pacer, maintaining an economy rate of 7.29, scalped 6 wickets from 5 CE Cup games last edition. Sophie didn’t find much success in an ‘A’ series earlier this year; however, she has had a notable domestic season thus far, striking 8 wickets from 5 One Dayers and followed up with a 4-fer (4/27) in the 2024 CE Cup opener. She has been bowling with great control and effect and will be banked upon for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Cooper Associates County Ground caters to both batters and bowlers. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score at the venue remains in the 140s, indicating just enough assistance for bowlers, particularly pacers, to exploit.
Weather:
With partly cloudy skies, the conditions are forecasted to be bright and pleasant for cricket in Taunton. The temperature will be around 18°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 69%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amara Carr, Grace Scrivens, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Mady Villiers, Dani Gibson, Jodie Grewcock, Jo Gardner, Nicola Hancock, Eva Gray, Chloe Skelton, Sophie Munro
Match details:
Date – May 31, 2024
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.
