As Match 69 of the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup approaches, the contrast in form and standings couldn’t be starker between the two sides. The Blaze enter this contest flying high near the top of the table, sitting second with 56 points from 15 matches—level on points with leaders Hampshire and trailing only by the thinnest of Net Run Rate margins (+0.685 to +0.693). Having racked up 12 wins and boasting four victories in their last five outings, a win here is crucial for them to snatch top spot. On the flip side, Essex finds themselves languishing at eighth place with just 16 points from 15 games. With 11 losses in their account and a single win in their last five fixtures, Essex will be desperate to pull off a massive upset to end their campaign on a high note.
Squads:
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
The Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Ella Claridge, Georgie Boyce, Maddy Green, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Prisha Thanawala, Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Elwiss, Heather Graham, Kathryn Bryce, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Orla Prendergast, Amy Jones, Sarah Bryce, Scarlett Hughes, Amy Wheeler, Cassidy McCarthy, Charley Phillips, Grace Ballinger, Josie Groves, Kirstie Gordon, Lucy Higham, Olivia Baker, Sarah Glenn
Players to watch out:
Georgia Elwiss
Georgia Elwiss has been an absolute pillar of stability for The Blaze this season, showcasing incredible consistency in the middle order. Across 14 matches, she racked up 566 runs at an impressive average of 47.16, striking the ball cleanly at 93.09. Her stand-out moment was a magnificent unbeaten 134, anchoring her team’s batting unit with classic composure. Adding four half-centuries and 67 boundaries to her tally, she has consistently set the platform for high-scoring totals throughout the tournament.
Jodi Grewcock
Jodi Grewcock has been a bright spot for Essex, anchoring their batting lineup with remarkable poise throughout the competition. Playing 10 matches, she amassed 549 runs at a towering average of 61.00 while scoring at a sharp 90.59 strike rate. She hit four classic fifties alongside a brilliant unbeaten 120, proving time and again how difficult she is to dismiss once set. With 59 boundaries under her belt, her ability to combine patience with acceleration has made her one of the most reliable top-order batters in the league.
Charlie Phillips
Charlie Phillips has been a genuine match-winner with the ball for The Blaze, constantly troubling opposition batters with her sharp accuracy. In 13 matches, she bagged 26 wickets while maintaining a frugal economy rate of just 3.69. Her consistency is highlighted by a brilliant bowling average of 15.19, capped off by a sensational career-best spell of 5/49. Delivering 13 maiden overs along the way, she has proven to be the ideal strike bowler who builds relentless pressure at key moments.
Esmae McGregor
Esmae McGregor has put in solid work for Essex this campaign, playing a reliable role in their seam bowling department. Featured across 12 matches, she picked up 14 wickets with best figures of 3/44, frequently stepping up to break dangerous partnerships. Bowling 95 overs with 8 maidens, she sustained an economy rate of 5.58 and averaged 37.92 with the ball. Her willingness to roll up her sleeves and bowl difficult overs made her an essential piece of Essex’s attack throughout the tournament.
Pitch:
Nestled in a tree-lined public park, Queen’s Park is one of England’s most famous county outgrounds and traditionally offers a classic English turf track. Early in the day, seamers capitalize on noticeable lateral movement off the pitch, supported by moisture and the lush outfield. As the surface dries, it settles into a true, fast-scoring track where shorter boundaries reward adventurous batters. Spin plays a minimal role here, making pace discipline and aggressive strokeplay key to winning matches.
Weather:
Chesterfield will see a mix of sunny intervals and occasional cloud cover throughout the day. Temperatures will peak at a mild 19°C to 20°C in the afternoon before dropping to around 9°C–10°C overnight. Rain is unlikely with a low chance of precipitation (<5%), and a gentle breeze will make for pleasant playing and viewing conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Ella Claridge, Georgie Boyce, Maddy Green, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Prisha Thanawala, Alice Macleod, Cordelia Griffith, Florence Miller, Joanne Gardner, Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones
Match Details:
Date – September 11, 2026
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, England
Broadcast – ECB App, Website & County YouTube channel.
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