The 2024 edition of the Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup is underway, and match no. 5 will feature a face-off between Western Storm and Central Sparks at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. The game is scheduled for 11:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 22nd of May, 2024.
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, Claire Nicholas, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper, Emily Geach
Central Sparks – Eve Jones (C), Emily Arlott, Chloe Brewer, Hannah Baker, Ami Campbell, Georgia Davis, Bethan Ellis, Abbey Freeborn, Ria Fackrell, Katie George, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Grace Potts, Courtney Webb
Players to watch out:
Fran Wilson
The 32-year-old batter, averaging 31.00 and striking at 121.56, accumulated 186 runs, including the highest of 58*, from 7 games in the CE Cup last summer. In the lead-up to the T20 season, Fran registered consecutive scores of 65, 53, and 34 in the 50-over games, and though she departed for 10 in the CE Cup opener, she can be banked upon to capitalize on her form.
Amanda-Jade Wellington
The 26-year-old bowling all-rounder picked up 9 wickets from six 50-over games, while also chipping in with the bat, in the lead-up to the 2024 CE Cup. In the T20 season opener, Amanda-Jade, while not required much with the bat, recorded bowling figures of 3/22. The team will count on her to continue this form, delivering the goods with both bat and ball.
Eve Jones
The 31-year-old batter, from 4 outings in the 2023 CE Cup, amassed 167 runs at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 131.49. Eve kicked off her 2024 season with a string of starts that she followed up with consecutive scores of 65 and 136* in the 50-over games. However, in the T20 opener, she departed cheaply for 7, but given her form, she can be counted on for the runs.
Bethan Ellis
The 24-year-old pacer, from 5 outings in the CE Cup last edition, struck 9 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 7.34. Bethan, from 5 games, claimed as many wickets in the 50-over games this season while consistently chipping in with handy runs. Continuing the momentum, in the T20 opener, she produced figures of 1/12, and it will be hoped she leads the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The center wicket at The Cooper Associates County Ground is relatively balanced, with an average score in the 140s. While conditions are conducive to batting, the wicket also offers assistance to bowlers, particularly the pacers, who can change the course of the game.
Weather:
Expect a delayed start to proceedings with shower spells forecast in the 1st hour of play; however, the radar is clear for the remainder of the game. The temperature is expected to hover around 14°C, with light winds and humidity at 94%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nat Wraith, Eve Jones, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Courtney Webb, Katie George, Alex Griffiths, Emily Arlott, Sophia Smale, Georgia Davis, Hannah Baker, Grace Potts
Match details:
Date – May 22, 2024
Time – 11:00 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.
