Emily Windsor is set for her Durham debut as Dani Hazell’s side return to action against Somerset at Banks Homes Riverside on Friday [2:30pm].
Windsor is named in a Durham squad for the first time this season after recovering from surgery on a pre-season hip injury and is among the 13 named to face Somerset as Durham look for a third win in the Vitality Blast.
Phoebe Turner and Grace Thompson have returned after a positive 50-over series with England A whilst Bess Heath is away for their three match T20 series with New Zealand A.
Hollie Armitage’s side sit 7th in the table with two wins from their opening eight games in the Women’s Vitality Blast and face a Somerset side who are searching for the first win of their campaign, lying 8th on two points in the Blast after seven games.
Words from Phoebe Turner
I am really pleased with how the ball is coming out currently, if I can keep things simple I know I can really thrive and I know I have the backing from Hollie [Armitage] and Dani [Hazell] to go out and perform for Durham.
The rest is about believing in myself and the results will come. The chats I have had with Rimmo [Nathan Rimmington] have been really good and the chats with other seamers have all been positive.
After playing for England I have been back in the nets today working on my T20 skills, Thursday was my first day back bowling after a week away so it was nice to get the ball in my hand.
We are all ready for the game tomorrow against Somerset and I know we can put on a good show in front our fans. To be back in the Durham colours tomorrow is really special and all the girls are really looking forward to it.
Squad v Somerset (4 July)
Hollie Armitage*, Suzie Bates, Leah Dobson, Katherine Fraser, Abi Glen, Katie Levick, Emma Marlow, Mia Rogers+, Grace Thompson, Phoebe Turner, Sophia Turner, Mady Villiers, Emily Windsor
Opposition Corner
Captain: Sophie Luff
Overseas players: Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia, full competition)
Key winter moves: Seam bowlers Laura Jackson and Ellie Anderson have been recruited to provide a cutting edge with the new ball, while England international spinning all-rounder Charlie Dean was brought in to add star quality. Perhaps more significantly, the services of Australian leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington, a proven match-winner at this level, were secured for a second season.
The big question: Although competitive for the most part in their previous guise as Western Storm, a relatively inexperienced side tended to come up just short in close matches. Can this revamped Somerset squad improve on that record and demonstrate the knowhow needed to challenge for the latter stages?
Wildcard watch: Alex Griffiths. Thrust into the role vacated by the injured Dani Gibson, the talented Welsh all-rounder is ready to realise her full potential. Adept at bowling seam up under pressure during the death overs, she now possesses the range of shots and confidence required to be an effective finisher with the bat.
Final thought: A series of shrewd signings and the availability of their international players has transformed erstwhile strugglers into more consistent performers in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup this season. Confidence and momentum gained from a series of impressive victories in the 50-over competition can now be harnessed to render Somerset competitive in the short format. As ever, much will depend on the form of overseas star Amanda-Jade Wellington and the availability of England pair Heather Knight and Charlie Dean.
Match Centre
The Club’s match centre will be in operation for the fixture with live scorecards, statistics & video highlights as they happen. You can watch the game live via Durham’s match centre and the match will also be available on Durham’s YouTube channel. Durham Cricket will have full coverage on social media, with a full match report at the close.