Match Preview: Central Sparks v Western Storm

THE MATCH

Western Storm travel to Edgbaston to take on Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy tomorrow (Monday May 31st).

This is a 50-over match and play is due to get underway at 10:30am with gates opening at 8:30am.

HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?

You can keep up to date with the action via this website’s match centre and on Twitter.

In addition to this a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted after the close.

TEAM NEWS

England trio Heather Knight, Anya Shrubsole and Katie George are all available for selection and Head Coach, Mark O’Leary will pick the starting XI from the following players: Sophie Luff (c), Fi Morris (vc), Heather Knight, Anya Shrubsole, Katie George, Georgia Hennessey, Danielle Gibson, Nat Wraith, Alex Griffiths, Nicole Harvey, Lauren Parfitt, Lauren Filer, Mollie Robbins, Emma Corney, Steph Hutchins, Emily Edgcombe, Niamh Holland and Bethan Gammon.

LAST TIME OUT

In the 2020 competition, Western Storm finished second in the South Group with 18 points from six matches whilst Central Sparks finished in second place in the North Group after claiming 13 points from their six matches.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Ahead of the match, Western Storm Head Coach, Mark O’Leary said: “To be able to play at Edgbaston is fantastic for the players and for the women’s game as a whole. It’s a great opportunity for them and if they want to go on and play at the very highest level, they need to get used to playing at these big arenas.

“Every game in this competition is going to be tough, and Central Sparks are a good side. We played them in pre-season and came out on top, but we won’t be thinking about that on Monday. This is a totally different match in different circumstances.

“We just need to do the basics right. It’s in the player’s hands now. They’ve done all the prep, the plans are in place and if they execute them, we should be okay.”

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

You can find out everything that you need to know by visiting the Edgbaston website