2023 Charlotte Edwards Cup Preview: Diamonds v Storm
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Northern Diamonds in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Headingley tomorrow (Friday May 19th).
This T20 match will get underway at 6:30pm.
Tickets for this match are still available.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date with a live stream and scorecard via the Western Storm website.
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides have met on two occasions in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and it’s currently one win apiece.
The first clash between the teams came at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton in July 2021 when Diamonds won by just one wicket.
After winning the toss the visitors elected to bowl first and limited Storm to 106 for nine from their 20 overs. Alex MacDonald was the pic of the bowlers, claiming four for 17.
Chasing 107 for victory, the visitors slipped to 78 for seven after 15 overs, but Jenny Gunn saw her side over the line off the final ball of the match.
The two sides met again the following month at Chester-le-Street, but on this occasion it was Storm who came out on top by four wickets.
Western Storm won the toss and elected to field and restricted the hosts to 110 for nine.
The chase got off to the worst possible start as Storm found themselves on 14 for three in the fourth over, but 60 from Sophie Luff helped take her side to the required target.
TEAM NEWS
A starting XI will be named from the following players: Sophie Luff (c), Danielle Gibson, Orla Prendergast, Heather Knight, Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Claire Nicholas, Nat Wraith, Alex Griffiths, Nicole Harvey, Lauren Filer, Mollie Robbins, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Niamh Holland, Izzy Patel, Katie Jones, Isla Thomson, and Rebecca Odgers.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the match, Western Storm Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “A Friday evening under lights at a big venue like Headingley is a great opening fixture for us. It should be a great atmosphere up there to kick off our campaign.
“Diamonds are a well-drilled side who have played together for a number of years. The addition of Chloe Tryon makes them a real threat, but we have our own threats and we just need to focus on what we do and play to our strengths. If we do that, then I’m looking forward to watching a fantastic game of cricket.
“In amongst the rain, we’ve played some good cricket this year. We just need to keep backing ourselves and go out there and be brave.”
THE OPPOSITION
NORTHERN DIAMONDS
Captain: Hollie Armitage
Overseas player: Chloe Tryon (South Africa)
2022 finish: Second (Group B)
2022 leading runscorer: Hollie Armitage (151)
2022 leading wicket taker: Katie Levick (15)
Key winter moves: Jenny Gunn (retired) and Linsey Smith (Vipers) have departed, but the signing of South Africa international all-rounder Chloe Tryon adds experience and firepower to a youthful looking squad. Batter Rebecca Duckworth has signed from Thunder, while Scotland Under-19s captain and all-rounder Katherine Fraser has joined.
The big question: Can the Diamonds add the missing piece in their jigsaw? Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy champions last year, they are yet to taste success in T20 cricket. Having been beaten finalists in 2021, they failed to reach Finals Day last year. Targeting this competition formed a big part of their winter preparation.
Player to watch: England A star Bess Heath could further boost her reputation with a standout Charlotte Edwards Cup. The Diamonds back-up wicketkeeper to Lauren Winfield-Hill, the pair could open the batting together. Heath, 21, mixes power with innovation. She spent part of the most recent winter with Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash, and it would be no surprise to see her graduate through to senior international cricket.
Final thought: There were a number of contenders for the player to watch category, Katie Levick and Tryon amongst those missing out. They will be key to success. Leg-spinner Levick was the competition’s leading wicket-taker last year with 15, while South Africa overseas all-rounder Tryon has power to burn with the bat.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are attending the match please visit the Official Yorkshire Website for further matchday information.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Sunday May 21st when we take on Thunder in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.
